- Recent storms brought localized improvement in parts of the West.
- Warm winter temperatures continue to influence drought patterns.
- The Colorado River Basin shows both easing and intensifying drought.
- Some areas saw improvement, while others worsened despite precipitation.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 — As of mid-January 2026, drought conditions across the United States remain uneven. Widespread precipitation over the central Plains, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast brought short-term relief to several regions. The U.S. Drought Monitor Report
released on January 15 reports that much of this moisture fell as rain rather than snow due to unusually warm temperatures, allowing water to soak into soils that are normally frozen at this time of year.
At the same time, temperatures across most of the country ran well above normal, with some regions recording readings 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above average. These warm conditions limited snowpack development and continued to shape drought outcomes, especially in the western states where winter snow is critical for long-term water supply.
Recent Weather in the West.
The western United States experienced a mix of beneficial precipitation and continued dryness. Rain and snow fell across southeast Arizona, western and central New Mexico, portions of Colorado, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. In many areas, this moisture slowed drought intensification and led to localized improvements.
Temperatures in much of the West, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, were near to slightly below normal during the reporting period. In contrast, northern areas were warmer than average, further stressing water resources in some locations.
Conditions Across the Colorado River Basin.
The Colorado River Basin, which includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, showed a complex pattern of improvement and degradation.
Parts of the basin benefited from recent storms. Severe drought improved in western Colorado, while areas of eastern Arizona, western New Mexico, eastern Nevada, and western Utah saw improvements from severe to extreme drought conditions. These changes reflect the influence of recent precipitation events that provided short-term relief.
However, not all trends were positive, according to the Drought Monitor. Extreme and exceptional drought expanded in central Colorado, and drought conditions worsened in northern Nevada. Abnormally dry conditions and moderate drought also expanded across much of eastern Wyoming. These developments highlight how uneven precipitation and persistent warmth can lead to sharp contrasts within the same river basin.
Why Winter Conditions Matter.
Winter precipitation, particularly snow in the Rocky Mountains, plays a crucial role in replenishing rivers and reservoirs that supply water to the Colorado River Basin. While recent rain and snow helped some areas, warmer-than-normal temperatures increase the risk of reduced snowpack and earlier runoff. These factors can limit the long-term benefits of winter storms even when short-term improvements appear on drought maps.
Looking Ahead.
Forecasts for the days following the January 15 report suggest continued dry conditions across much of the western United States. Temperatures are expected to trend well above normal across Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, which may further challenge drought recovery. While additional precipitation is possible in parts of the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest later in the outlook period, drought conditions across the Colorado River Basin are expected to remain variable.
