How are conditions related to drought likely to change? Colors on each map show experts' estimates of how conditions related to drought are likely to change by the end of the next month. Areas where experts expect below-average precipitation or above-average temperatures (which increase evaporation) may see drought develop, persist, or worsen. Areas with forecasts for above-average precipitation may see drought conditions improve or end.

What was the average temperature for the month? Colors show the average monthly temperature across the contiguous United States. White and very light areas had average temperatures near 50°F. Blue areas on the map were cooler than 50°F; the darker the blue, the cooler the average temperature. Orange to red areas were warmer than 50°F; the darker the shade, the warmer the monthly average temperature.

Where was the monthly temperature warmer or cooler than usual? Colors show where average monthly temperature was above or below its 1991-2020 average. Blue areas experienced cooler-than-usual temperatures while areas shown in red were warmer than usual. The darker the color, the larger the difference from the long-term average temperature.

Where is severe weather likely at this time of year? Shading on each map reflects how often severe weather occurred within 25 miles during a 30-year base period. The darker the shading, the higher the number of severe weather reports near that date. For this map, severe weather encompasses tornadoes, thunderstorm winds over 58 miles per hour, and hail larger than three-quarters of an inch in diameter.

Where was the annual temperature warmer or cooler than usual? Colors show where average annual temperature was above or below its 1991-2020 average. Blue areas experienced cooler-than-usual temperatures for the year while areas shown in red were warmer than usual. The darker the color, the larger the difference from the long-term average temperature.

What's the temperature of water at the ocean's surface? Colors on the map show the temperature of water right at the ocean’s surface. The darkest blue shows the coldest water: floating sea ice is usually present in these areas. Lighter shades of blue show temperatures of up to 80°F. White and orange areas show where surface temperatures are higher than 80°F, warm enough to fuel tropical cyclones or hurricanes.

Does the environment have enough water to sustain ecosystems, agriculture, and local economies that depend on it? Colors show experts' assessments of conditions related to dryness and drought. These maps focus on broad-scale conditions, so local conditions may vary. Categories reflect how much water is available in streams, lakes, and soils compared to usual for the same time of year. The darker the shade on the map, the more intense the drought conditions. For maps showing drought status in Alaska, Hawai'i, and other U.S. territories, please access the source data for this snapshot, the U.S. Drought Monitor.

What are the chances that total precipitation will be below, near, or above average next month? Colors show where total precipitation has an increased chance of being higher or lower than usual during the next month. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for precipitation totals that are below, near, or above the long-term average (median) for the month.

What are the chances for various temperature conditions next month? Shaded areas show where average temperature has an increased chance of being warmer or cooler than usual. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for average temperatures that are below, near, or above the long-term average for the month.

This pair of maps shows whether your state tends to have wet, dry, or average springs during El Niño, and how often the wet or dry pattern occurred during the last 10 El Niño years.