- Every Utah county is now under severe or extreme drought.
- Record winter warmth sharply reduced snowpack and streamflow.
- Utah officials warned conservation will be critical this summer.
- Emergency drought loans are now available for agricultural producers.
- State leaders say next winter may not bring enough recovery.
Friday, May 22, 2026 — Utah has officially declared a statewide drought emergency after an unusually warm and dry winter left rivers, reservoirs, and mountain snowpack struggling across the state.
On May 21, 2026, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced
that all 29 counties are now experiencing either severe drought or extreme drought conditions. State officials say record warmth during the winter season prevented snow from building up normally in the mountains, which is a major source of water for Utah communities, farms, and reservoirs.
The governor said Utah’s reservoir system still contains enough water to get through the year, but warned that conservation will be necessary throughout the summer.
“We can’t control the weather,” Cox said “But we can control the tap.”
Warm Winter Leaves Rivers Running Low.
In much of the American West, mountain snow acts like a natural savings account. Snow slowly melts during spring and summer, feeding rivers, reservoirs, farms, and cities over time.
This year, however, Utah’s winter was not only dry but unusually warm. Even when storms arrived, some precipitation fell as rain instead of snow, limiting how much water could be stored in the mountains. By late spring, rivers and streams were already running lower than normal in many parts of the state.
State forecasts suggest southern and eastern Utah could receive above-normal rainfall during the summer monsoon season, but officials cautioned that the extra moisture would likely provide only limited relief.
The larger concern is what happens if another weak snow season arrives next winter.
Financial Relief Opens for Utah Farmers and Ranchers.
Alongside the emergency declaration, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced that emergency drought loan funds are now available for agricultural producers statewide.
The Emergency Disaster Relief Loan Program opened May 21 and will accept applications through Nov. 21, 2026. The loans are designed to help farmers and ranchers facing urgent drought-related expenses that are not covered by insurance or other aid programs.
According to state officials, many agricultural producers may need additional feed, water supplies, or emergency resources after poor growing conditions and reduced water availability placed heavy pressure on operations across rural Utah.
“We’ve been preparing to open these programs since it became clear what kind of year we’re looking at,” said Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. “Many of our producers are going to need supplies and supplemental resources to a degree that puts many people’s livelihoods at risk.”
The loans carry 0% interest for the first two years, followed by a 2.75% interest rate afterward. Loan amounts can reach up to $100,000 for eligible producers.
Conservation Expected To Be Major Focus.
Utah officials said aggressive conservation efforts will likely become a major topic throughout the summer as water managers monitor reservoir levels, streamflows, and agricultural demand.
The drought declaration also reflects a growing pattern seen across much of the Colorado River Basin in recent years, where warmer temperatures have reduced snowpack efficiency even during average precipitation years. Scientists and water managers have increasingly warned that heat alone can significantly reduce available water supplies by causing earlier snowmelt and greater evaporation losses.
For now, Utah leaders say the state can manage through 2026 if water users remain cautious and conservation efforts expand statewide.
