- Record heat is accelerating drying across the West and Plains.
- Drought conditions are expanding across the Colorado River Basin.
- Limited precipitation is worsening soil moisture and streamflow.
Saturday, March 28, 2026 — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor
shows that across the country, weather conditions continue to swing between extremes. Some regions are seeing heavy rain and even flooding, while others are drying out quickly under intense heat. A strong heat dome has pushed temperatures far above normal across much of the country, especially in the West and central Plains. In many places, temperatures have climbed 20 to 25 degrees higher than usual for this time of year.
This heat has increased evaporation, pulling moisture out of soils and vegetation. At the same time, many areas have seen little to no rainfall. The result is a rapid expansion of drought conditions across large portions of the country, particularly in the West.
Meanwhile, parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest received significant precipitation. These wetter areas saw some improvement in drought conditions, though in some cases the rain raised concerns about flooding.
Colorado River Basin Under Growing Stress.
The most concerning conditions are unfolding across the seven Colorado River Basin states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. These states are facing a combination of extreme heat, dry weather, and worsening drought indicators.
Temperatures across the region have been well above normal, in some cases reaching 15 to 25 degrees higher than average. At the same time, precipitation has been limited or completely absent in many areas. This combination is drying out soils, reducing streamflow, and placing additional stress on already strained water supplies.
Drought conditions are expanding in both size and severity across the Basin. Severe drought (D2) has increased across parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Extreme drought (D3) has grown in areas of Utah and New Mexico, while exceptional drought (D4), the most intense category, has expanded in parts of Colorado.
Wyoming and Colorado, which are critical headwater states for the Colorado River system, are also seeing worsening conditions. Drought is spreading into new areas while intensifying in others, raising concerns about runoff and water supply heading into the warmer months.
Heat and Dryness Driving Rapid Changes.
The current pattern is being driven by persistent high pressure over the western United States. This system is trapping heat and preventing storms from bringing meaningful moisture into the region. Winds and low humidity are adding to the problem, increasing the rate at which landscapes dry out.
These conditions are not only affecting water supplies but also raising wildfire risks. Dry vegetation and strong winds create an environment where fires can start easily and spread quickly.
What Comes Next.
Forecasts suggest that the pattern of above-normal temperatures will continue in the near term. Another round of warm and dry weather is expected to affect much of the West, including the Colorado River Basin.
There are signs that some precipitation could return in the longer-range outlook, but uncertainty remains. Even if rain does arrive, it may not be enough to reverse the current drying trend in the short term.
For now, the Colorado River Basin remains under increasing pressure as heat and drought continue to reshape the region’s water outlook.
