The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released October 15, 2026, shows a divided picture across the country. While recent storms brought much-needed moisture to parts of the West and Southeast, persistent heat and limited rainfall continued to worsen drought conditions across portions of the Midwest, Great Plains and South.
As of October 13, 53.73% of the contiguous United States was experiencing drought, with 45.05% of the United States and Puerto Rico classified as being in drought. The weekly report highlights the uneven nature of current conditions, with some regions receiving meaningful relief while others continue to face mounting moisture deficits.
For farmers, ranchers, landowners and agricultural investors, the latest report offers important insight into soil moisture, pasture conditions and the potential challenges heading into the coming months.
Kansas and the Great Plains: Limited Relief
Across the High Plains, drought conditions remained largely unchanged during the reporting period, with localized improvements in North Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. Kansas experienced limited deterioration, particularly along its eastern border with Missouri.
Much of Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas received less than 25% of normal precipitation during the week. Temperatures across portions of the Plains ran 8 to 16 degrees above normal, increasing evaporation and contributing to continued moisture losses.
These conditions are important for Kansas agriculture. Limited rainfall can affect soil moisture reserves, pasture growth and the establishment of winter wheat. For livestock producers, dry conditions may also increase the need to monitor forage availability and plan for supplemental feed if pasture conditions decline.
The report indicates that significant drought conditions remain in portions of the western High Plains, where longer-term precipitation deficits and soil moisture shortages continue to limit recovery.
Although Kansas did not experience widespread deterioration during this reporting period, the lack of meaningful rainfall remains a concern. Continued monitoring will be important as producers evaluate fall fieldwork, winter wheat planting and winter grazing plans.
Stay Informed on Changing Drought Conditions
The U.S. Drought Monitor is updated weekly through a partnership involving the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA.
The October 15, 2026, report reinforces an important point: drought conditions can change quickly from one region to another, and recent rainfall does not always eliminate the effects of prolonged dryness.
For agricultural producers and rural landowners, staying informed about precipitation trends, soil moisture and local water availability can help support better decisions about land management and future planning.
View the latest maps and regional summaries: U.S. Drought Monitor