- Severe drought expanded across southwestern Utah.
- Western Colorado also saw conditions degrade during May.
- Arizona remains parched in several regions despite some rainfall.
- California and Nevada mostly escape May’s drought intensification.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 — The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor
, released on May 29, 2025, shows a complex and regionally varied drought picture across the seven states that comprise the Colorado River Basin: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. While several parts of the country saw relief in May, conditions in key portions of the Basin worsened.
Utah: Intensifying Drought in the South.
The most notable deterioration occurred in southwestern Utah, where severe drought (D2) expanded due to ongoing dryness. According to the report, “The 6-month SPI supported the expansion of severe drought (D2) coverage across southwestern Utah.” This expansion reflects persistent precipitation deficits and drying soils over multiple months, marking a concerning trend as summer approaches.
Colorado: Western Regions Take a Hit.
Western Colorado also saw worsening drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor stating, “A 1-category degradation was also warranted for western Colorado based on 90 to 180-day SPI.” While parts of northeastern Colorado benefited from widespread rainfall between May 24–26, that moisture did not extend far enough west to mitigate longer-term dryness in the state’s drought-prone western slope.
Arizona: Mixed Signals, But Drought Persists.
Despite scattered rainfall, much of Arizona remains locked in drought. Although the May 29 report does not mention Arizona specifically in the narrative, it confirms that broader southwestern regions continue to suffer from precipitation deficits and stressed hydrological indicators. Groundwater levels, streamflows, and soil moisture remain low across key areas, especially in central and southern Arizona.
California and Nevada: Holding Steady for Now.
California and Nevada remain largely unchanged from the previous week, and no significant new drought expansions were noted in the May 29 update. California, in particular, has entered the dry season with relatively strong reservoir levels and above-average snowmelt earlier this spring, giving the state a temporary buffer against immediate drought escalation.
New Mexico and Wyoming: Stability Amid Fluctuations.
New Mexico and Wyoming remained relatively stable during the reporting period. No major expansions or improvements in drought classification were noted. However, given the unpredictability of early summer weather in the Southwest, conditions could shift rapidly, especially in areas where moisture levels remain marginal.
Heat and Dryness Loom in June’s Forecast.
The forecast through early June indicates potential trouble ahead. The Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 day outlook leans toward above-normal precipitation across much of the West. However, short-term forecasts also suggest that key areas in the Colorado River Basin, especially in Arizona and Utah, may receive little immediate relief.
As the Basin inches closer to its peak summer heat, water managers and stakeholders will be watching closely for signs that the current trends—particularly in Utah and Colorado—signal a longer-term problem or a short-term setback in an otherwise improving year.
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