Drought conditions remain across Alabama despite recent rain
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While things have slightly improved over the last two weeks, nearly all of Alabama is considered to be under moderate to severe drought conditions.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, there are still 4.4 million people living in drought areas in Alabama. Our state is still trying to climb back from an unusually dry March which was the 16th driest March for the state since 1895.
Keep reading to learn more about the current conditions + what will be needed to get the state out of the red.
Alabama drought monitor
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the intensity of drought conditions across the country.
This map is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to trigger some disaster declarations and loan eligibility. Individual states and water supply planning may use additional information to inform their declarations and actions.
The map uses five classifications:
- Abnormally Dry (yellow)
- Agriculture ponds and creeks begin to decline
- Forage crops and pasture are stressed
- Ground is hard
- Moderate drought (light orange)
- Cash crop growth and yield are low
- Fire activity increases
- National forests implement campfire and firework bans
- Streams and ponds are low
- Severe drought (dark orange)
- Burn bans begin
- Crops are damaged, especially dryland corn
- Hydroelectric power decreases
- Large cracks appear in foundations of homes
- Large surface water levels drop; agricultural ponds and streams have dried up
- Extreme drought (red)
- Air quality is poor
- Ground has noticeable cracks; road damage has occurred
- Landscape growth is stunted and needs irrigation
- Low flow in rivers and lakes affects recreation
- Water mains break daily in large municipalities; water conservation is implemented
- Wildfire count and fire danger continue to increase
- Exceptional drought (maroon)
- Lakes are extremely low; large municipalities implement water restrictions; water prices increase
- Trees and shrubs are defoliated; grass is brown; landscaping projects are delayed
- Wildfire count is very high
100 percent of the state is considered at least abnormally dry with 95 percent of the state in moderate drought or worse. In May 2025, less than 3 percent of the state was experiencing dry conditions.
However, as of Thursday, May 14, Alabama has no areas in the exceptional drought category for the first time in a month. Recent rainfall has helped but much more is needed to get the state back down to that 3 percent mark from last May.
