July Rain Ends Drought in Southern New Hampshire

Recent rainfall has significantly eased drought conditions across New Hampshire, with all of southern New Hampshire now removed from the “abnormally dry” zone, according to data released on Thursday. The area experiencing moderate drought has also decreased.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly map tracking drought conditions nationwide, shows marked improvement. As of May 1, 2026, 1.2 million New Hampshire residents remain in areas experiencing drought, a decrease of 86.1% from the previous week.

March 2026 was the 48th driest on record for New Hampshire, dating back to 1895, with a total precipitation of 2.89 inches – 0.63 inches below normal. January through March combined marked the 6th driest period on record, with 6.56 inches of total precipitation, a decrease of 3.12 inches from normal.

Drought Monitoring and Classification

The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies drought conditions into five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0) and four levels of drought intensity (D1–D4). The map is a collaborative effort between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Drought Mitigation Center. Experts from these agencies rotate responsibility for creating the weekly map, utilizing both physical indicators and input from local observers.

The Drought Monitor plays a crucial role in triggering disaster declarations and determining loan eligibility through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Individual states and water supply planners also utilize the information to inform their own declarations and actions.

Historical Context

While New Hampshire is often perceived as water-rich compared to other regions of the United States, the state is not immune to drought. According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, drought is a recurring climate pattern in the state.

Historical Drought Monitor maps are available for review, providing a long-term perspective on drought patterns in New Hampshire.

The Short-Term Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) provides an assessment of current, short-term drought conditions across the U.S.