Alaska | Drought.gov

Alaska | Drought.gov
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Alaska
Current Alaska Drought Maps
U.S. Drought Monitor
USDM 1-Week Change
4-Week Change
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The map is jointly produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Drought Mitigation Center. Authors from these agencies rotate creating the map each week, using both physical indicators and  input from local observers.
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.
How has drought impacted this state in the past? Explore
historical Drought Monitor maps
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
The
U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map
shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous week's Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues indicate conditions improved, while yellow/orange hues indicate degradations.
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
The
U.S. Drought Monitor 4-week change map
shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous month's U.S. Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues show where conditions improved,  yellow/orange hues show where conditions worsened, and gray areas show where drought remained the same.
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Drought & Dryness Categories
% of AK
14.5
Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought.
View typical impacts by state
, or learn
how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor
0.0
Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state
, or learn
how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor
0.0
Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state
, or learn
how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor
0.0
Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state
, or learn
how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor
0.0
Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state
, or learn
how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor
0.0
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)
The percent area of Alaska that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Learn
how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought Change Since Last Week
3-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
1-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
No Change
There has been no change in drought conditions at this location.
1-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
3-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Drought Degradation
5-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 5 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
4-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 4 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
3-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
1-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Drought Improvement
1-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
3-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
4-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 4 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
5-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 5 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The map is jointly produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Drought Mitigation Center. Authors from these agencies rotate creating the map each week, using both physical indicators and  input from local observers.
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.
How has drought impacted this state in the past? Explore
historical Drought Monitor maps
The
U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map
shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous week's Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues indicate conditions improved, while yellow/orange hues indicate degradations.
The
U.S. Drought Monitor 4-week change map
shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous month's U.S. Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues show where conditions improved,  yellow/orange hues show where conditions worsened, and gray areas show where drought remained the same.
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
This map is released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7am Eastern.
U.S. Drought Monitor change maps are released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7 am Eastern.
U.S. Drought Monitor change maps are released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7 a.m. EST.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Data Valid:
04/21/26
Data Valid:
04/21/26
Data Valid:
04/21/26
U.S. Drought Monitor map details and information: Learn More :
U.S. Drought Monitor map details and information: Learn More :
U.S. Drought Monitor Change Map details and information: Learn More:
Drought in Alaska
Alaska is a land of extremes. As the largest state in the United States, it spans a vast geographical area that includes many different climates. For example, Southeast Alaska has a mild, maritime climate with mean annual temperatures over 40 °F, with some areas at sea level receiving over
200 inches
of precipitation per year. In contrast, the North Slope has an Arctic climate with a mean annual temperature lower than 15 °F, where some areas receive less than 6 inches of precipitation annually—but snow covers the ground 6 to 8 months a year.
Because of the great variations in climate and water resources, there are many facets of drought in Alaska. Impacts to hydropower and fisheries are a major concern in Southeast Alaska, while in mainland Alaska dry weather (even over a few weeks) can be a major contributor to wildfire (especially in the spring and summer), threaten community water supplies, and create problems for fish and other wildlife. Snow drought, coupled with warming temperatures, can disrupt transportation in frozen interior regions during the winter.  With temperatures in Alaska rising and the snow season becoming shorter, drought in the future may become a more significant problem than in the past, even if total precipitation increases. Extreme events, including flooding and drought,
are expected to occur
with higher frequency and intensity, including extreme wet and dry events.
NIDIS supports eight regional
Drought Early Warning Systems
(DEWS) throughout the United States. In addition, NIDIS supports states outside these regions, like Alaska, by delivering drought early warning information through Drought.gov; investing in
drought research
to address key scientific and societal needs; and supporting the development of new tools and products that serve the entire nation.
Get Local Drought Alerts
Alaska State Drought Resources
State Drought Agency:
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
State Hazard Mitigation Plan:
State of Alaska Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023)
State Climate Office:
Alaska Climate Research Center
Alaska Current Conditions
A number of physical indicators are important for monitoring drought, such as precipitation, temperature and water supply (e.g., streamflow, snowpack). Learn more about
monitoring drought
Alaska Streamflow Conditions
1-Day Average
Streamflow Conditions
Record Mean Daily Low
Estimated streamflow is the lowest mean daily value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Much Below Normal (<10th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Normal (25th–75th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Record Mean Daily High
Estimated streamflow is the highest mean daily value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year.
Not Ranked
A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
This map shows 1-day average streamflow conditions for yesterday compared to historical conditions for the same day of the year. Both 1-day and historical streamflow values are calculated as mean discharge (cubic feet per second) over a 24-hour period. Only streamgages with 30 or more years of data are included in this map.
Click on a streamgage to view current data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
These streamflow data are provisional
and subject to revision.
Source(s):
U.S. Geological Survey
This map updates daily on Drought.gov, showing mean daily streamflow values from the previous day. View the most recent
real-time streamflow data from USGS
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can alter the ecological balance of natural systems and harm fish, wildlife, and plant species, as well as the benefits that these
ecosystems
provide to human communities. The environmental consequences of drought include losses in plant growth; increases in fire and insect outbreaks; altered rates of carbon, nutrient, and water cycling; and local species extinctions.
Because
energy
and water are so interdependent, the availability and predictability of water resources can directly affect energy systems. Energy professionals need information on current drought conditions and outlooks in order to make informed decisions on cooling, alternative water supplies, pricing, and infrastructure security.
During drought conditions that result in low water levels on rivers and other waterways, port and maritime
navigation and
transportation
operations may be limited due to a reduction in available routes and cargo-carrying capacity, resulting in increased costs. In addition, higher temperatures that often coexist with drought can impact roads, airport runways, and rail lines.
Data Valid:
04/22/26
USGS streamflow map details and information:
Alaska River Stage Forecasts
River Stage Forecasts
Maximum Forecast River Stage
Major Flood
According to the National Weather Service, the Major Flood stage indicates "extensive inundation of structures and roads, significant evacuations of people, and/or transfer of property to higher elevations."
Moderate Flood
According to the National Weather Service, the Moderate Flood stage indicates "some inundation of structures and roads near stream, evacuations of people, and/or transfer of property to higher elevations."
Minor Flood
According to the National Weather Service, the Minor Flood stage indicates flooding with "minimal or no property damage, but possible some public threat (e.g., inundation of roads)."
Action Stage
When a location on the river hits the Action Stage, water levels have reached a height where "action is taken in preparation for possible significant hydrological activity," according to the National Weather Service.
No Flood
According to the National Weather Service, no flooding is indicated.
Low Water
According to the National Weather Service, the Low Water Threshold is the stage at which "low water levels begin to have significant negative impacts on a water-related industry or user community."
River forecast data from the National Weather Service's National Water Prediction Service (NWPS) provide valuable information about the chances of flood occurring. These river stage/flow forecasts show the maximum forecast flood category, taking into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
Source(s):
National Weather Service
National Water Prediction Service
River gauge forecasts from the National Weather Service are updated daily.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Extreme weather events can interact or cascade—where one disaster event triggers or changes the probability of another event. For example, drought conditions can increase the probability of large-scale wildfires, and droughts are often accompanied by extreme heat. By including drought in
multi-hazard planning
, a community can consolidate its resources and develop coordinated responses before a disaster.
In a drought, lower water levels or snowpack can affect the availability of
recreational
activities and associated
tourism
, and a resulting loss of revenue can severely impact supply chains and the economy. Drought—as well as negative perceptions of drought, fire bans, or wildfires—may also result in decreased visitations, cancellations in hotel stays, a reduction in booked holidays, or reduced merchandise sales.
During drought conditions that result in low water levels on rivers and other waterways, port and maritime
navigation and
transportation
operations may be limited due to a reduction in available routes and cargo-carrying capacity, resulting in increased costs. In addition, higher temperatures that often coexist with drought can impact roads, airport runways, and rail lines.
04/23/26
Outlooks & Forecasts for Alaska
Predicting drought in Alaska depends on the ability to forecast precipitation and temperature within the context of complex climate interactions. View more
outlooks & forecasts
Future Precipitation & Temperature Conditions
8–14 Day Precip
8–14 Day Temp
Probability of Below-Normal Precipitation
33%–40% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
>90% Chance of Below Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
100%
Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation
33%–40% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
>90% Chance of Above Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
100%
Near-Normal
Odds favor
near-normal precipitation
during this period.
Probability of Below-Normal Temperatures
33%–40% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
>90% Chance of Below Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
100%
Probability of Above-Normal Temperatures
33%–40% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
>90% Chance of Above Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
100%
Near-Normal
Odds favor
near-normal temperatures
during this period.
This map shows the probability (percent chance) of above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation 8 to 14 days in the future.
This map shows the probability (percent chance) of above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal temperature 8 to 14 days in the future.
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
The Climate Prediction Center updates their 8–14 day outlooks daily.
The Climate Prediction Center updates their 8–14 day outlooks daily.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Flash drought
is the rapid onset or intensification of drought. Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and/or changes in radiation. These sometimes-rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the landscape.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Flash drought
is the rapid onset or intensification of drought. Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and/or changes in radiation. These sometimes-rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the landscape.
Data Valid:
05/01/26–05/07/26
04/23/26
Data Valid:
05/01/26–05/07/26
04/23/26
Drought Outlooks for Alaska
Monthly
Seasonal
Drought Is Predicted To...
Drought Persists
During this time period,  NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought conditions will persist.
Drought Improves
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that existing drought conditions will improve (but not be removed).
Drought Is Removed
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will be removed.
Drought Develops
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will develop.
No Drought Present
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, there is no drought, and is drought development is not predicted.
Drought Is Predicted To...
Drought Persists
During this time period,  NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought conditions will persist.
Drought Improves
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that existing drought conditions will improve (but not be removed).
Drought Is Removed
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will be removed.
Drought Develops
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will develop.
No Drought Present
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, there is no drought, and is drought development is not predicted.
The Monthly Drought Outlook predicts whether drought will develop, remain, improve, or be removed in the next calendar month.
The Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts whether drought will develop, remain, improve, or be removed in the next 3 months or so.
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
The Climate Prediction Center issues its Monthly Drought Outlooks on the last day of the calendar month.
The Climate Prediction Center issues its Seasonal Drought Outlooks on the third Thursday of each calendar month. Sometimes, the map is adjusted on the last day of the month to maintain consistency with the Monthly Drought Outlook.
Snow drought
is a period of abnormally low snowpack for the time of year. Snowpack typically acts as a natural reservoir, providing water throughout the drier summer months. Lack of snowpack storage, or a shift in timing of snowmelt, can be a challenge for drought planning.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
During drought conditions, fuels for
wildfire
, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Temperature, soil moisture, humidity, wind speed, and fuel availability (vegetation) are all factors that interact to influence the frequency of large wildfires.
Snow drought
is a period of abnormally low snowpack for the time of year. Snowpack typically acts as a natural reservoir, providing water throughout the drier summer months. Lack of snowpack storage, or a shift in timing of snowmelt, can be a challenge for drought planning.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
During drought conditions, fuels for
wildfire
, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Temperature, soil moisture, humidity, wind speed, and fuel availability (vegetation) are all factors that interact to influence the frequency of large wildfires.
Data Valid:
04/01/26–04/30/26
03/31/26
Data Valid:
04/16/26–07/31/26
04/16/26
Historical Drought Conditions in Alaska
Drought is a normal climate pattern that has occurred in varying degrees of length, severity, and size throughout history. Below, you can look back at past drought conditions for Alaska according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly map that shows the location and intensity of drought across the country since 2000.
View more historical conditions
2000–Present
Time Period (Years):
Start Year
Show Category:
U.S. Drought Monitor
D0 - Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D1 – Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D2 – Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D3 – Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D4 – Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
Learn more about these data
Drought Resources for Alaska
Stay Informed: Local Drought Updates
Drought Alert Emails
Get email updates when U.S. Drought Monitor conditions change for your location or a new drought outlook is released.
Regional Drought Status Updates
NIDIS & its partners issue regional updates covering drought conditions, outlooks/forecasts, and local impacts.
Dry Times
Bi-Weekly Drought Newsletter
Issued every other Thursday,
Dry Times
is an email newsletter with the latest drought news, events, and data & maps.
Get Involved: Submit Local Drought Impacts
Drought in your area?
Tell us how drought is impacting your community by submitting a condition monitoring report. Your submissions help us better understand how drought is affecting local conditions.
Report Impacts
Drought in your area?
Report Impacts
Alaska Drought Assessments and Case Studies
Report: Southeast Alaska Drought
(2023)
Research: Causes and Impacts of the 2016–2019 Southeast Alaska Drought
Story Map: Historic Drought in a Rainforest: Southeast Alaska (2017–2019)
State & Regional Resources
State of Alaska Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023)
Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center
Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP, a NOAA CAP team)
Drought and Extreme Events Workshop Summary
CoCoRaHS | Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service | Alaska
USDA | Northwest Climate Hub
Southeast Alaska Drought: Refining Drought Metrics for a Temperate Rainforest
2022 Workshop Summary: Sharing Knowledge on Farming, Water, and Drought in Alaska
Alaska 2021 Drought Webinar Series
Alaska & the U.S. Drought Monitor
Western Regional Climate Center:
Alaska Climatologies
SPI Products for Alaska
National Weather Service:
Alaska Region Headquarters
Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (APRFC)
Anchorage Weather Forecast Office
Fairbanks Weather Forecast Office
Juneau Weather Forecast Office
USGS | Current Water Data
National Drought Mitigation Center | Alaska Drought Planning Resources
ACIS Precipitation Maps
Alaska Fire Science Consortium | Alaska's Changing Wildfire Environment (PDF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information Map Series
Resources: Climate & Drought
NOAA/NCEI | Alaska State Climate Summary
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit