This Week's Drought Summary (11/27)

This U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week saw improvement in drought-related conditions across areas of the West, Lower Midwest, Northeast, and the South. On the map, widespread improvements were made in drought-affected areas across Arizona as well as in other areas of the Desert Southwest including western New Mexico and southern Utah. In California, storms during the past few weeks, in addition to an overall wetter pattern in recent months, have continued to help improve conditions leading to removal of areas of drought in Southern California. Since October 1st, numerous locations in California, southern Nevada, and Arizona have received record to near-record precipitation accumulations including Santa Barbara, California (+8.2-inch departure from normal), Ontario, California (+4.11 inches), Las Vegas, Nevada (+2.08 inches), and Flagstaff, Arizona (+5.71 inches). In the Pacific Northwest, drier-than-normal conditions have prevailed (past 30-days) across areas of the region including central and eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, and southwestern Montana. Moreover, snowpack conditions across the Pacific Northwest continued to lag behind normal levels. In the Lower Midwest (Missouri) and areas of the South (Texas), widespread improvements were made in response to rainfall events during the past week. In areas of the Upper Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin), exceptionally dry conditions have prevailed during the past 60-day period with numerous locations observing record to near-record dryness. In the Southeast, warm and dry conditions continued leading to expansion and intensification of drought conditions in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Georgia. In the Northeast, recent rains led to reduction of areas of drought in West Virginia, while isolated areas of New England saw minor improvements.

In terms of reservoir storage in areas of the West, California’s reservoirs continue to be at or above historical averages for the date (November 24), with the state’s two largest reservoirs (Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville) at 110% and 100% of their averages, respectively. In the Southwest, Lake Powell is currently 29% full and Lake Mead is 32% full, with the total Colorado River system contents at 37% of capacity on November 23 (compared to 42% of capacity at the same time last year), according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. In Arizona, the Salt River Project is reporting that the Salt River system reservoirs are 54% full, the Verde River system is 68% full, and the total reservoir system is 56% full (compared to 73% full a year ago). In New Mexico, the state’s largest reservoir, Elephant Butte, along the Rio Grande River is currently 5% full (12% of average). In the Pacific Northwest, Washington’s Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake is 94% full (105% of average for the date), Idaho’s American Falls Reservoir on the Snake River is 25% full (64% of average), and Hungry Horse Reservoir in northwestern Montana is 88% full (107% of average).

Northeast

On this week’s map, improvements were made in areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, West Virginia, and Maryland. In New England, improvements were made in response to beneficial precipitation during the past 30-to-60 day period as well as improving groundwater conditions. In the southern tier of the region, rainfall during the past 7-day period (ranging from 1 to 2+ inches) boosted streamflow activity and soil moisture levels leading to a reduction of areas of drought in the eastern portion of West Virginia. In New Jersey, drought intensified in isolated areas (southern and northwestern) where areas of Severe Drought (D2) expanded on the map. For the past 90-day period, precipitation deficits across New Jersey ranged from 2 to 6+ inches. Moreover, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is reporting below-normal streamflow levels (< 10th percentile) at numerous gages across the state. In terms of snowpack conditions, the National Weather Service National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NWS NOHRSC) is reporting that the Northeast region is currently 42.5% covered by snow (area) with an average depth of 1.4 inches and a maximum depth of 25.5 inches. For the week, average temperatures were below normal across most of the region with the greatest departures (4 to 8 degrees F) observed in areas of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Southeast

During the past week, conditions were generally dry with some isolated areas, including eastern North Carolina, and northern portions of Alabama and Georgia, receiving light rainfall accumulations (< 1 inch). On the map, drought-related conditions degraded in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. In the Florida Panhandle, southwestern Georgia, and southeastern Alabama, a combination of factors including short-term precipitation deficits (past 30 to 120 days), and exceptionally low streamflows and soil moisture levels led to expansion and intensification of drought. In South Florida, areas of Moderate Drought (D1) expanded in response to precipitation shortfalls during the past 30-to-60-day period. In terms of average temperatures for the week, the greatest anomalies (10 to 15+ degrees F) were observed in northern portions of Alabama and Georgia, and western North Carolina.

South

Across much of the region, generally dry conditions prevailed this week, especially in the far southern and western portions of the region, with little or no precipitation observed. In contrast, light to moderate rainfall (2 to 4+ inches) was observed along a swath extending from central Texas to southwestern Arkansas. The beneficial rainfall led to one-category improvements in areas of Moderate (D1) to Extreme Drought (D3) with most of the improvements focused on areas of central and northeastern Texas. Elsewhere, minor improvements were made on the map in southeastern Oklahoma, southwestern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. In Louisiana, short-term precipitation deficits (past 90-day period) and declining soil moisture levels led to expansion of areas of Moderate Drought (D1) and Severe Drought (D2). For the week, average temperatures were well above normal across the region with anomalies ranging from 4 to 16 degrees F above normal. Looking at reservoir conditions in Texas, Water for Texas (November 25) was reporting statewide reservoirs at 74% full, with many reservoirs in the eastern part of the state in very good condition, while numerous reservoirs in the western portion of the state were experiencing continued below-normal levels.

Midwest

On this week’s map, improvements were made in the southern extent of the region in Missouri in response to widespread rainfall (1 to 2.5 inches) across the state. Elsewhere in the region, some minor improvements were made in southern Illinois, central Indiana, and northwestern Michigan. For the week, average temperatures were above normal across the western and southern extent of the region, with anomalies ranging from 5 to 15 degrees F above normal and the greatest departures observed in western Minnesota and southern Missouri. Temperatures were cooler in the eastern half of the region ranging from 5 degrees F above normal to 5 degrees below normal (central and northern Michigan, eastern Ohio). Using the Southeast Regional Climate Center’s Climate Perspectives tool, the past two months have been very dry across much of the region, with record to near-record dryness observed in the following locations: Duluth, Minnesota (-4.52 inch departure); Madison, Wisconsin (-3.57 inches); Green Bay, Wisconsin (-2.58 inches); Detroit, Michigan (-3.75 inches); and St. Louis, Missouri (-4.3 inches).

High Plains

On this week’s map, only minor changes were made in the region, including changes in eastern Kansas, Nebraska, and southwestern South Dakota. For the week, precipitation across the region was generally light and primarily restricted to eastern and central portions of Kansas as well as in eastern and central South Dakota. In terms of average temperatures, warmer-than-normal temperatures (5 to 15+ degrees F above normal) were observed across the region with the greatest anomalies observed in the Dakotas. According to NWS NOHRSC, the current regional snowpack spatial extent is limited to areas of central and northern North Dakota.

West

Out West, recent storms have delivered much-needed precipitation to drought-affected areas of California, central and southern Nevada, southern Utah, Arizona, southern Colorado, and western New Mexico. On this week’s map, widespread improvements were made in Arizona, across the southern-third of California, and in isolated areas of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Moreover, the recent storm activity in the southern extent of the region has boosted snowpack conditions in the southern and central Sierra Nevada, Spring Mountains (southern Nevada), San Francisco Peaks (northern Arizona), Mogollon Rim (central Arizona), ranges of southwestern Utah, and Nacimiento Mountains (northern New Mexico). Elsewhere, snowpack conditions were poor across most of the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest. In other parts of the region, some minor degradations were made on the map in northern Colorado and north-central Montana.

Caribbean

In Puerto Rico, some minor expansion of areas of Abnormally Dry (D0) were made in the central portion of the island in response to short-term dryness (past 30-day period), low streamflows, reduced soil moisture, and drying vegetation.

This week, short-term abnormal dryness continued on St. Croix and developed on St. Thomas and St. John. Rainfall observations on St Croix recorded in the CoCoRaHs network varied from 0.38 to 0.93. A well-level monitoring site from the U.S. Geological Survey showed depth to water continuing to slowly increase. Depth to water also increased at well-level monitoring sites on St. Thomas and St. John, while short-term rainfall deficits increased on both islands. Rainfall observations on St. Thomas ranged from 0.25 to 0.31 inches. On St. John, CoCoRaHs observations ranged from 0.21 to 0.25 inches, while the observer at Windswept Beach reported 0.45 inches of rain.

Pacific

On this week’s map, no changes were made in the Alaska.

On this week’s map, no changes were made in the Hawaiian Islands.

American Samoa remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week. At Toa Ridge, 3.31 inches of rain fell, while 4.64 inches fell at Siufaga Ridge. At least 4.08 inches of rain fell in Pago Pago this week, continuing a series of wet weeks there.

Palau remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week, though only 1.15 inches of rain had fallen through five days this week. Given each of the prior three weeks saw over 2 inches of rain, conditions should still be close to normal in Palau.

Short-term abnormal dryness developed on Saipan, where 0.23 inches of rain were reported this week. This marked the third consecutive week with less than 1 inch of rain, which was preceded by below-normal (though still sufficient) rainfall in October. On Tinian, 0.53 inches of rain were reported, marking the second week in a row with less than an inch of rainfall, though abnormal dryness has not quite developed there. On Guam, 0.88 inches of rain this week marked the second consecutive week with just under 1 inch of rain, though abnormal dryness has not yet developed. On Rota, 1.09 inches of rain fell, and conditions remained normal there.

On Yap, 4.27 inches of rain fell, and conditions remained normal there. No Drought Monitor depiction was made for Ulithi, as data there are missing. On Woleai, conditions remained free of drought or abnormal dryness with 3.09 inches of rain this week. No Drought Monitor depiction was made for Fananu due to missing data there. Chuuk remained free of drought or abnormal dryness, as at least 7.06 inches of rain fell there this week. Lukunor remained free of drought or abnormal dryness after receiving at least 4.12 inches of rain this week. Nukuoro remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week after 2.66 inches of rain fell there. Conditions on Kapingamarangi improved from severe to moderate short-term drought after 4.86 inches of rain fell there this week, marking the third week out of the last four with at least 2” of rain. Pohnpei remained free of drought or abnormal dryness and received 3.72 inches of rain this week. No Drought Monitor depiction was made on Pingelap this week due to recent missing data. Kosrae remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week, where 4.65 inches of rain continued a wet spell dating back several months.

No Drought Monitor depiction was made for Kwajalein due to recent missing data. Ailinglaplap remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week, though 1.83 inches of rain this week marked the second week in a row with less than 2 inches. Jaluit remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week and received 2.29 inches of rain. After 1.6 inches of rain last week, the monthly rainfall total on Utirik was at 2.26 inches, and short-term abnormal dryness developed. Wotje remained free of drought or abnormal dryness with 0.69 inches of rain last week, bringing the monthly total there to 5.75 inches. Mili remained free of drought or abnormal dryness with 0.93 inches of rain last week, bringing the monthly rainfall total to over 10 inches. Majuro remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week and received 3.96 inches of rain.

Looking Ahead

The NWS Weather Prediction Center 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) calls for moderate precipitation accumulations ranging from 2 to 4+ inches (liquid) across areas of the South and areas of the Southeast. Likewise, a significant winter storm is expected to impact the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. In the West, dry conditions are expected to prevail across California and the Great Basin, while some lighter accumulations are expected across the Intermountain West. In the Pacific Northwest, moderate accumulations are expected across western Washington and some lesser accumulations across areas of the Northern Rockies of Idaho and northwestern Montana. The Climate Prediction Center 6-to-10-day Outlook calls for a moderate-to-high probability of below-normal temperatures across the eastern half of the West, Plains, South, Midwest, and Northeast. Above-normal temperatures are expected across the Southeast and along the Pacific Coast from Northern California to Washington. In terms of precipitation, there is a low-to-moderate probability of above-normal precipitation across most of the conterminous U.S. except for northern California and western Oregon where below-normal precipitation is favored.

Idaho And Western United States SNOTEL Water Year (Oct 1) to Date Precipitation % of Normal (11/25)

Final 2025 USDA Crop Progress - Corn 96% Harvested, Wheat Rated 48% Good to Excellent as of Nov. 23

OMAHA (DTN) -- U.S. winter wheat conditions improved last week, USDA NASS said in its final national Crop Progress report of 2025 released on Monday.

A wild week of weather is ahead as multiple systems bring rain, strong winds, colder temperatures, and heavy snow before a more powerful storm pushes through the Plains and heads east this weekend, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

CORN

-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest is slightly behind at 96% complete, 4 percentage points behind last year's 100% and 1 percentage point behind the five-year average of 97%. Nebraska corn harvest jumped ahead 18 points compared to last week, but still remain 6 points behind its five-year average.

WINTER WHEAT

-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting moved ahead by another 5 points last week to reach 97% complete nationwide as of Sunday, equal to last year's pace and the five-year average. Texas still had about 7% of its intended wheat crop left to plant, Missouri had 9% left to plant and Oklahoma had 3% left.

-- Crop development: An estimated 87% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's 88% and 2 points behind the five-year average of 89%. Top producer Kansas' crop was 90% emerged, 5 points behind last year's pace and 1 point behind the state's five-year average of 91%. Oklahoma's crop was 85% emerged, 4 points behind the state's five-year average of 89%. South Dakota's crop was 92% emerged, 6 points ahead of last year's pace. Texas' crop was 78% emerged, equal to the state's five-year average. Nebraska's crop was 93% emerged, 5 points behind the state's five-year average.

-- Crop condition: An estimated 48% of winter wheat that had emerged was in good-to-excellent condition, up 3 points from 45% the previous week. However, that is behind last year's rating of 55% good to excellent. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, another 2-percentage-point improvement from 19 the previous week. Top producer Kansas' crop was also rated 62% good to excellent.

THE WEEK AHEAD IN WEATHER

Several systems will be moving through the country this week, bringing heavy rain to the Southeast, along with a burst of cold air, strong winds and heavy snow farther north, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

"We're going to end the reporting year with a wild week of weather. If folks still have some work to do outdoors, the sooner you can get to it the better," Baranick said.

"There is a system moving through the country early this week and has been and should continue to produce some areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Southeast for Tuesday and maybe Wednesday. Right behind it, a clipper system is moving into the Northern Plains. That system will bring a band of heavy snow across the north and will pull through a burst of some pretty cold air. Temperatures are going to drop some 20-30 degrees behind it. The system moves through the Great Lakes on Wednesday and Thursday. Strong winds pushing cold air over the Great Lakes should turn on the lake-effect snow machine, which may make travel around there quite hazardous.

"But the ingredients are coming together for another big storm system to move through the country behind that one as well. The current forecast is to have that system move through the Plains on Friday and then travel eastward for the weekend. Just about everything is on the table with this system including heavy rain and severe weather to the south, and snow and strong winds that may create blizzard conditions across the north. Models are going to have a tough time with this system because of how cold that air is going to be behind it, which should turn a lot of the wheat or other winter crops dormant and could mean some heavy snow to dig out of across the north that would make fieldwork difficult as well. It may be rather chaotic for the first week of December as well, so we may not catch a break before more wild weather moves through."

National Crop Progress Summary
	This	Last	Last	5-Year
	Week	Week	Year	Avg.
Corn Harvested	96	91	100	97
Winter Wheat Planted	97	92	97	97
Winter Wheat Emerged	87	79	88	89
Cotton Harvested	79	71	83	80
Sorghum Harvested	91	82	98	97
Peanuts Harvested	94	88	92	94
Sunflowers Harvested	86	78	92	91

**

National Crop Condition Summary
(VP=Very Poor; P=Poor; F=Fair; G=Good; E=Excellent)
	This Week						Last Week						Last Year
	VP	P	F	G	E		VP	P	F	G	E		VP	P	F	G	E
Winter Wheat	4	13	35	40	8		6	13	36	37	8		3	9	33	47	8

Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region - Storage Reservoirs in the Upper Snake River (11/24)

Average daily streamflows indicated in cubic feet per second.
Reservoir levels current as of midnight on date indicated.

Upper Snake River system is at 33 % of capacity.
(Jackson Lake,Palisades, Grassy Lake,Island Park,Ririe,American Falls,LakeWalcott)
Total space available:	2695994 AF
Total storage capacity:	4045695 AF

This Week's Drought Summary (11/20)

Dry weather covered most of the central and eastern U.S. this week, with a few localized areas of heavier precipitation falling in the Northeast and parts of eastern South Dakota. In the West, heavy rain and snow was widespread, especially in parts of southern Nevada, southern and coastal California, the Sierra Nevada, the Pacific Northwest and northwest Montana. Temperatures west of the Mississippi River were mostly warmer than normal, especially in Montana and Wyoming, where temperatures of 12 or more degrees above normal were common. East of the Mississippi River, near- or below-normal temperatures were widespread, especially in southern Georgia and Florida, where temperatures were 6-12 degrees colder than normal. Given the wetter weather recently, improvements continued in parts of the Northeast, where streamflow and soil moisture continued to recover and precipitation deficits lessened. Improvements were also widespread in California and Washington, where recent precipitation has cut into or erased precipitation deficits and boosted soil moisture and streamflow. Degradations were common in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, where short-term precipitation deficits grew. Widespread degradation also occurred in parts of Nebraska, central and northeast Montana and the western Great Lakes area, as primarily short-term dryness intensified in each of these areas. Recent pockets of drier- or wetter-than-normal weather led to a few small changes in areas of abnormal dryness in Puerto Rico. Wetter weather in the windward sides of Hawaii led to local improvements on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, where streamflows have responded well to increased precipitation.

Northeast

Precipitation continued to fall this week in the Northeast, leading to localized improvements in drought and abnormal dryness. The heaviest precipitation fell in central New York, where some areas received over 2 inches of precipitation. At least a half inch of precipitation fell across large sections of New York, New England and northern Pennsylvania. A small area near Allentown, Pennsylvania, degraded to moderate drought where short-term precipitation deficits increased and soil moisture and streamflow dropped. Widespread improvements occurred in northern New England, central, northern and western New York and a few parts of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. In these areas, recent precipitation has improved streamflow and soil moisture and cut into precipitation deficits. However, soil moisture or precipitation deficits or both are still occurring in many areas, so more precipitation is needed across the region. Temperatures this week were mostly near normal or below normal, with much of northern Pennsylvania and most of New York finishing the week 3-6 degrees colder than normal.

Southeast

This week’s weather in the Southeast was almost entirely dry, which worsened drought or abnormal dryness in many locations. Colder-than-normal weather across the region, especially temperatures 6-12 degrees below normal in southern Georgia and Florida, plus the lower sun angle, kept this week’s evaporative demand lower. In southern Georgia and portions of the Florida Panhandle, extreme drought expanded, and exceptional drought developed where large short-term precipitation deficits continued, streamflow remained low and soil moisture levels continued to drop. Short-term precipitation deficits also led to worsening conditions in central and western North Carolina and south-central Virginia. In the Florida Peninsula, short-term precipitation deficits and low water levels, low streamflows and locally poor soil moisture led to expansion of moderate and severe drought and abnormal dryness.

South

Dry weather occurred across nearly the entire South region this week, which led to widespread degradations in conditions in some states. Warmer-than-normal temperatures occurred in parts of Texas and Oklahoma and some locales in Arkansas, while near- or below-normal temperatures were more common elsewhere. In the Texas Panhandle and southwest parts of the Lone Star State, temperatures of at least 9 degrees above normal were common. South of Oklahoma City, extreme drought developed where ponds dried up amid large short-term precipitation deficits and above-normal evaporative demand. Degradations occurred across large parts of southern Oklahoma where short-term precipitation deficits continued amid above-normal temperatures. A mix of short- and long-term precipitation deficits and warm temperatures led to degradations in southern Texas, while conditions also degraded in parts of north Texas and the Texas Panhandle during recent dry and warm weather. Short-term precipitation deficits also grew in much of northeast Texas, Louisiana, southwest Arkansas and southern Mississippi, leading to degrading conditions. Streamflow and soil moisture levels also were low in some areas that worsened this week.

Midwest

This week, scattered precipitation fell in parts of central and eastern Missouri, Illinois, southern Indiana, northern and eastern Iowa and the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Otherwise, primarily dry weather occurred. In Decatur, Illinois, stage one water restrictions began, and severe and extreme drought expanded in the area surrounding Champaign-Urbana as shortages in soil moisture and precipitation intensified again. From northeast Iowa into the western Great Lakes area, moderate and severe drought and abnormal dryness developed or expanded. Short-term precipitation deficits and soil moisture deficits were especially intense in the Wisconsin Northwoods, where severe drought developed and moderate drought expanded. Streamflow and soil moisture continued to struggle amid growing precipitation deficits in parts of Missouri, where abnormal dryness and moderate and severe drought locally expanded. Severe drought now covers the entire Kansas City area, where soil moisture levels continue to be low amid a very dry late summer and autumn. Warmer-than-normal temperatures occurred in the western reaches of the Midwest (primarily along and west of the Mississippi River), while near- or below-normal temperatures were more common in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

High Plains

Primarily dry and warmer-than-normal weather occurred in the High Plains region this week, with the exceptions of east-central South Dakota and some high-elevation areas of Colorado and Wyoming. Temperatures in Wyoming and parts of eastern Colorado were 12 or more degrees above normal this week, while eastern parts of the Dakotas, Nebraska and Kansas were mostly 3-9 degrees warmer than normal. Short-term precipitation deficits and decreasing soil moisture in some areas led to expansions and development of abnormal dryness and moderate drought in parts of eastern and central Nebraska. In western Nebraska, abnormal dryness and moderate drought expanded under similar conditions, while severe drought also developed where more substantial longer-term precipitation deficits were taking place. In and near the Kansas City area, moderate and severe drought locally expanded where soil moisture levels decreased and short-term precipitation shortfalls grew. Abnormal dryness expanded across the southeast Colorado plains where short-term precipitation deficits grew, while moderate drought filled in in northwest Colorado where short-term dryness aligned with long-term precipitation deficits.

West

Widespread heavy precipitation fell this week in California, southern Nevada, the Pacific Northwest and northern Idaho and northwest Montana. Locally over 5 inches of precipitation fell in northwest Washington, spots in northwest Montana and northern Idaho, and across scattered parts of California, especially in some coastal regions and the Sierra Nevada. Soil moisture levels increased across California amid the heavy precipitation. Precipitation deficits lessened in many areas or were entirely removed, leading to widespread 1-category improvements in California and localized 2-category improvements near Los Angeles. As the impact of this precipitation on the water cycle in California and Nevada is evaluated in the coming weeks, further improvements may occur. Conditions also improved after recent precipitation cut into precipitation deficits and locally improved soil moisture, groundwater and streamflow in northwest Washington, central and eastern Washington, northern Idaho and northwest Montana, southwest Arizona, and southwest Utah and along a portion of the Utah-Nevada border. Despite the widespread precipitation, weekly temperature anomalies were warm across the entire West this week. Compared to normal, Montana and Idaho were generally the warmest, with parts of Montana and southern Idaho finishing the week 12 degrees or more warmer than normal. In the plains of central and northeast Montana, moderate and severe drought and abnormal dryness quickly worsened amid warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier weather. In these areas, streamflow locally decreased amid growing soil moisture and short-term precipitation deficits.

Caribbean

Recent rainfall in parts of southeast Puerto Rico lessened rain deficits and improved well levels, leading to localized improvement to abnormal dryness. In north-central Puerto Rico, drier weather this week continued below-normal rainfall over the last month. In turn, streamflows have decreased and abnormal dryness developed. Temperatures in Puerto Rico this week were mostly a degree or two warmer than normal.

This week, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John experienced modest rainfall driven primarily by trade‑wind showers rather than organized storms. The depth to water level from the land surface also showed an increasing trend, showing relatively drier conditions across the islands.

On St. Croix, most CoCoRaHS stations reported less than one inch of rainfall for the week. The highest recorded rainfall was at VI-SC-35 (Frederiksted, 1.3 ENE), which received 0.64 inches. Next, VI-SC-20 (Frederiksted, 1.7 ESE) measured 0.45 inches, followed by VI-SC-34 (Frederiksted, 1.9 NE) with 0.24 inches. VI-SC-30 (Christiansted, 1.7 SW) recorded 0.12 inches, while VI-SC-10 (Christiansted, 1.6 E) observed 0.14 inches. Finally, VI-SC-23 (Christiansted, 6.5W) reported the least rainfall at 0.15 inches. This week, the 1-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for East Hill is -1.26, indicating drier-than-normal conditions. According to the USGS, the depth to water level at Adventure 28 Well in St. Croix, USVI, has increased from 18.04 feet on October 19 to 18.36 feet on November 18. Additionally, compared to the same date last year (November 18, 2024), when the water level was 17.39 feet, this week's reading shows an increase. This trend indicates that St. Croix is experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

This week, St. John experienced light rainfall across the island. Windswept Beach (VI-SJ-3) recorded 0.57 inches of rain, while Cruz Bay (VI-SJ-5, 1.6 E) saw 0.27 inches. The depth to the water level at the Susannaberg DPW 3 well in St. John, USVI, has increased from 7.49 feet on October 19 to 9.0 feet on November 18. However, this depth is still relatively lower than a month ago, indicating that St. John remains drought-free this week.

St. Thomas also received light rainfall throughout the island. The rain gauge at VI-ST-13 (Charlotte Amalie, 1.2 NNW) recorded 0.56 inches of rain, whereas VI-ST-15 (Charlotte Amalie West, 1.3 N) recorded 0.38 inches of rain. The depth to the water level below the land surface at the Grade School 3 well in St. Thomas, USVI, has increased from 2.08 feet on October 19 to 4.72 feet as of November 18 (this week). Despite this increase, St. Thomas remains drought-free this week due to a decrease in the depth to the water level from the land surface over the past few months.

Pacific

Weather across most of Alaska, excluding the southeast, was drier than normal this week. Temperatures in the south-central, east-central and central parts of Alaska were colder than normal, with some locations having temperatures 6-12 degrees below normal for the week. Temperatures were near or above normal in the southeast, where some locations finished the week 3-9 degrees above normal. Temperatures 3-9 degrees above normal also occurred in the North Slope area. Despite the drier weather in parts of Alaska this week, abnormal dryness has not developed.

Wetter-than-normal weather occurred recently in windward slopes of parts of Hawaii, leading to improvements in areas of increased streamflow and lessened precipitation deficits, especially in northeast parts of the Big Island, northern East Maui and part of the north coast of Oahu. Extreme drought remained in parts of the Big Island and Maui, while severe drought also remained in parts of Molokai and Oahu. Temperature across the state were mostly within 1.5 degrees of normal.

The Marshall Islands have been impacted by a north-south displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)/monsoon trough, bringing repeated showers and heavy rain. Most areas are free from drought, while some islands reported significant rainfall: Mili received 5.74 inches, Wotje 3.85 inches, and Majuro 3.22 inches. Moderate rain was recorded in Ailinglapalap (1.18 inches) and Jaluit (1.17 inches), while Utirik had only 0.08 inches. No data is available for Kwajalein for analysis this week.

The FSM region experienced an active ITCZ/monsoon trough, resulting in persistent showers along windward coasts and heavier rainfall in mountainous areas. Thus, Kosrae received 6.27 inches of rain, Woleai received 3.92 inches, and Pohnpei recorded 3.79 inches. Additionally, Chuuk Lagoon, Nukuoro, and Yap received 2.15, 1.13, 1.93, and 1.11 inches of rain, respectively, keeping these islands drought-free. Lukunor had 0.9 inches of rain and remains free of drought due to earlier wetter conditions. Kapingamarangi, however, recorded only 1.26 inches this week after receiving 5.1 inches in one day last week, and remains in severe drought conditions. There is no data for Pingelap this week.

American Samoa experienced several days of moderate to heavy rainfall this week, attributed to a moist trade-wind pattern, low-level convergence associated with the ITCZ, tropical waves, and orographic uplift in mountainous regions. For instance, Pago Pago recorded 2.55 inches of rain, while Siufaga Ridge and Toa Ridge received 1.7 inches and 1.07 inches of rain, respectively. As a result, American Samoa is currently experiencing drought-free conditions.

This week, Palau experienced frequent showers and localized heavy rain due to its location near the western edge of an active convective band associated with the monsoon trough and tropical waves. Koror reported 2.47 inches of rainfall, while the Weather Service Office in Airai (WSO Palau) recorded 3.11 inches. As a result, the island remains free of drought conditions.

The Marianas experienced mainly light trade-wind showers this week, with a few periods of convective activity, followed by a decrease in rainfall later in the week. According to the weekly rainfall report, Guam received 0.74 inches, Tinian 0.59 inches, Saipan 0.31 inches, and Rota 0.3 inches. Although the islands received less than 1 inch of rain, they remain free of drought due to the wet conditions from previous weeks.

Looking Ahead

From the evening of Nov. 19 through Nov. 24, the National Weather Service Weather (NWS) Prediction Center is forecasting a large area to receive near or over 1 inch of precipitation from southern Ohio eastward to northeast Colorado and south to northwest Louisiana and much of Oklahoma and Texas (excluding the southwest). Precipitation amounts of at least 0.75 inches are also forecast in parts of southern California, southern Arizona and southeast two-thirds of New Mexico. Heavy precipitation, locally exceeding 3 inches, is forecast in parts of western Washington. Mostly dry weather is forecast across the northern Great Plains and from the Upper Midwest eastward to most of New York and northern New England. Dry weather is also likely to continue in much of the Southeast, especially in drought-stricken areas of southeast Louisiana, southern Georgia and Florida.

For Nov. 25-29, the NWS Climate Prediction Center forecast favors above-normal precipitation across parts of the northern, central and eastern U.S. The highest confidence areas for above-normal precipitation include the northern Great Plains and the Southeast. Drier-than-normal weather is favored in the Southwest U.S., especially in coastal California, southeast Arizona, southern New Mexico and southwest Texas. The forecast favors colder-than-normal temperatures from northern Washington east to Lake Superior and southward through the central Great Plains. In the West, warmer-than-normal temperatures are likelier from central Oregon southward along the Pacific Coast and eastward to near the Continental Divide. The forecast favors warmer-than-normal temperatures in areas from the Gulf Coast to the Mid-Atlantic, with the highest confidence for warmth centered over the Southeast.

In Hawaii, above-normal temperatures and precipitation are favored across the state. In Alaska, the forecast favors warmer-than-normal temperatures in central and western parts of the state, while southeast Alaska is more likely to be colder than normal. Above-normal precipitation is favored for the southwest part of Alaska, while the forecast leans towards below-normal precipitation in northern and southeast Alaska.

USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report - Corn 91% Harvested, Soybeans 95% Harvested as of Nov. 16

OMAHA (DTN) -- In its first Crop Progress update since the government reopened, the national corn harvest is lagging slightly behind average while winter wheat planting is moving along, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

Multiple storm systems moving through the country this week will bring rain, isolated snow and possible severe weather while improving soil moisture, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

CORN

-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest is slightly behind at 91% complete, which is 7 percentage points behind last year's 98% and 3 percentage points behind the five-year average of 94%. Nebraska is the furthest behind at 74% harvested, 23 percentage points behind last year's pace. Indiana's crop was 93% harvested, and Kansas' crop was 92% harvested.

SOYBEANS

-- Harvest progress: Soybean harvest continued on pace at 95% complete as of Sunday, 3 points behind last year's 98% and 1 point behind the five-year average of 96%. North Dakota was 97% harvested, and Nebraska was 84% harvested.

WINTER WHEAT

-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting is moving along to reach 92% nationwide as of Sunday, 2 points behind last year's 94% and 3 points behind the five-year average of 95%. Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington winter wheat planting are 100% complete. Nebraska is 78% planted, significantly behind both last year's pace and the five-year average which typically shows planting at 100% complete at this time.

-- Crop development: An estimated 79% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 4 points behind last year's 83% and 5 points behind the five-year average of 84%.

-- Crop condition: An estimated 45% of winter wheat that had emerged is in good-to-excellent condition, down 4 points from the previous year.

THE WEEK AHEAD IN WEATHER

A series of storm systems will sweep across the U.S. this week, brining widespread rain, pockets of snow, potential severe weather and beneficial moisture for soils and winter wheat, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

"After the long break between reports, most producers are done with their harvest work, but for those that aren't, there are some hazards this week," Baranick said. "Three separate systems will move through the country and that will produce some significant rainfall. One is getting into the Central Plains here on Monday and will zoom across the Midwest for Tuesday. The northern edge of the rain could add up to a thin band of accumulating snow tonight into Tuesday morning across southern Minnesota and central Wisconsin. Another system now in California will get into the Southern Plains Wednesday night and produce widespread precipitation there eastward through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys on Thursday and especially Friday with showers lingering in the Southeast on Saturday. We may have to watch for some severe weather as well. And then one more storm system will move through the Southwest this weekend, getting into the Southern Plains on Sunday with more showers that are likely to follow a similar track through the Midwest early next week. All of these storm systems will add up to moderate and perhaps heavy rainfall in some areas. That will help to build soil moisture and reduce drought. And with the warmer temperatures in place this week, that could help to build some roots for those with winter wheat."

National Crop Progress Summary
	This	Last	Last	5-Year
	Week	Week	Year	Avg.
Corn Harvested	91	NA	98	94
Soybeans Harvested	95	NA	98	96
Winter Wheat Planted	92	NA	94	95
Winter Wheat Emerged	79	NA	83	84
Cotton Harvested	71	NA	76	72
Sorghum Harvested	82	NA	94	94
Sugarbeets Harvested	99	NA	99	99
Peanuts Harvested	88	NA	87	89
Sunflowers Harvested	78	NA	87	85

**

National Crop Condition Summary

(VP=Very Poor; P=Poor; F=Fair; G=Good; E=Excellent)

This Week

Last Week

Last Year

VP

P

F

G

E

VP

P

F

G

E

VP

P

F

G

E

Winter Wheat

6

13

36

37

8

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

4

11

36

41

8

Idaho And Western United States SNOTEL Water Year (Oct 1) to Date Precipitation % of Normal (11/18)

Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region - Storage Reservoirs in the Upper Snake River (11/17)

Average daily streamflows indicated in cubic feet per second.
Reservoir levels current as of midnight on date indicated.

Upper Snake River system is at 31 % of capacity.
(Jackson Lake,Palisades, Grassy Lake,Island Park,Ririe,American Falls,LakeWalcott)
Total space available:	2782299 AF
Total storage capacity:	4045695 AF

August Ag Prices Received Index Up 1.0 Percent; Prices Paid Up 0.9%

August Prices Received Index Up 1.0 Percent  

The August Prices Received Index 2011 Base (Agricultural Production), at 137.7, increased 1.0 percent from July and 7.2 percent from August 2024. At 105.3, the Crop Production Index was up 2.4 percent from last month and 4.7 percent from the previous year. The Livestock Production Index, at 168.1, decreased 2.5 percent from July, but increased 6.1 percent from August last year. Producers received higher prices during August for cattle, strawberries, calves, and lettuce but lower prices for market eggs, broilers, corn, and grapes. In addition to prices, the volume change of commodities marketed also influences the indexes. In August, there was increased monthly movement for cattle, grapes, calves, and broilers and decreased marketing of wheat, soybeans, corn, and strawberries.  

August Prices Paid Index Up 0.9 Percent  

The August Prices Paid Index for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW), at 152.0, is up 0.9 percent from July 2025 and 9.9 percent from August 2024. Higher prices in August for feeder cattle, nitrogen,  potash & phosphate, and mixed fertilizer more than offset lower prices for feeder pigs, feed grains, hay & forages, and  LP gas. 

This Week's Drought Summary (11/13)

Mostly dry weather occurred this week across the Great Plains, Minnesota and Wisconsin, the south-central U.S. and the Southwest. The northern half of California, western Oregon, western Washington, the northern Idaho Panhandle and northwest Montana received moderate to heavy precipitation amounts. From northern California northward into the Pacific Northwest, amounts this week were locally over 3 inches. Locally higher precipitation amounts fell in the Northeast and in portions of the Great Lakes region. This included heavy lake-effect snow in north-central and northwest Indiana. Spotty rainfall amounts of over half an inch fell across the Southeast, but most of the region experienced a dry week. Drier weather in parts of the Great Plains and south-central U.S. led to widespread degradations, especially in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Heavy precipitation in Oregon and Idaho led to improvements in both states. Montana was split with improvement in the west and degradation in north-central areas, which continued a recent dry spell. Mostly drier weather in the Southeast led to degradations in Florida and southern Georgia and portions of Virginia. In northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and much of New England, improvements occurred after recent precipitation.

Northeast

Over an inch of precipitation fell this week across much of New York and northern New England, with a few spots receiving over 2 inches. Mostly short-term precipitation deficits improved as a result, leading to widespread improvements in ongoing drought and abnormal dryness in these areas. In northwestern Maine, lighter precipitation amounts fell and short-term deficits grew; severe drought expanded there as a result. In central and southern West Virginia, recent precipitation helped to improve streamflow and precipitation deficits, and drought severity lessened there. Temperatures in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland were mostly 2-6 degrees warmer than normal, while temperatures across the rest of the Northeast were mostly within 2 degrees of normal.

Southeast

Temperatures in the Southeast were mostly above normal this week, with many locations finishing the week 2-6 degrees warmer than normal. Most locations finished the week with less than a half inch of precipitation, with some local exceptions. The dry and warm weather this week led to worsening soil moisture and short-term precipitation deficits in southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, where moderate, severe and extreme drought expanded. Moderate drought also expanded near Tampa Bay, where soil moisture and precipitation deficits grew and streamflow dropped. Streamflow levels remained low in south-central Virginia, where short-term precipitation deficits also grew and moderate drought expanded. Farther west, moderate drought improved in southwest Virginia, where soil moisture and streamflow improved after recent rainfall.

South

Warmer-than-normal temperatures occurred across most of the South this week. Temperatures in Texas and Oklahoma were especially warm, with many areas in these states finishing the week 4-8 degrees above normal. Parts of southwest Texas were even warmer, with some sites finishing the week more than 10 degrees above normal. Most of the South remained dry this week, though a few parts of central and eastern Tennessee received over a half inch of precipitation. Degradations to abnormal dryness and drought were widespread from the southern half of Oklahoma to southwest Arkansas, and from central and eastern Texas into parts of Louisiana. Short-term drought impacts were the big story in southern Oklahoma, where short-term precipitation deficits grew and soil moisture and pond levels dropped and vegetation struggled. Streamflow levels struggled in portions of central and southern Texas, while soil moisture levels also dropped in south Texas amid unusually high evaporative demand for the time of year. Short-term precipitation deficits also drove some degradation in areas of abnormal dryness and moderate and severe drought in Louisiana.

Midwest

Precipitation amounts varied across the Midwest this week. Lake-effect snow fell in heavier amounts in northern Indiana, northeast Illinois, southwest Lower Michigan and portions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over half an inch of precipitation fell across much of Ohio and central and eastern Kentucky. Temperatures varied from generally 1-4 degrees below normal in northeast Wisconsin and Michigan to 2-6 degrees above normal in southern Missouri and western Kentucky. Temperatures were variable across the rest of the region, though most areas were within 4 degrees of normal. Heavier precipitation amounts recently in north-central Ohio led to improvements where streamflow and short-term precipitation deficits improved. Heavy snowfall in northwest Indiana and northeast Illinois led to improvement in soil moisture and precipitation deficits and improvements in drought and abnormal dryness. Farther south in east-central Illinois, severe and extreme drought expanded where streamflow levels dropped and short-term precipitation deficits worsened. Short-term precipitation deficits grew in south-central and southwest Wisconsin and abnormal dryness and moderate drought expanded there. Moderate drought also expanded in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, where short-term precipitation deficits grew alongside declining soil moisture levels. Moderate drought expanded in a few spots in southeast Missouri, where recent dry weather added to short-term precipitation deficits amid poor soil moisture and streamflow levels.

High Plains

Temperatures in the eastern edge of the High Plains area remained mostly within a couple degrees of normal, as a strong cold front moved into the central U.S. near the end of the period. Otherwise, most of the region was warmer than normal, especially western Nebraska and central and western portions of Colorado and Wyoming, where temperatures from 4-8 degrees above normal were common this week. Some precipitation, generally under a half inch liquid equivalent, fell from central South Dakota to northeast Nebraska. Precipitation exceeding a half inch also fell in northwest Wyoming in the vicinity of Yellowstone National Park and in a section of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Elsewhere, mostly dry weather was the rule across the region. Short-term precipitation deficits grew in parts of eastern Nebraska, where abnormal dryness expanded in coverage north and northwest of Lincoln. Portions of western Nebraska and adjacent southeast Wyoming and Colorado continued to dry as well, and abnormal dryness and some moderate drought grew in these areas. In south-central Colorado, localized degradations were also due in part to effects from longer-term precipitation deficits.

West

Temperatures were above normal across the region. Southeast California, Nevada, Utah and southern New Mexico were generally the warmest compared to normal, with many spots in these areas finishing the week 6-10 degrees above normal. Parts of the northwest U.S. saw moderate to heavy precipitation amounts this week, while most areas from central California southward and eastward were dry. Many parts of northwest Montana and northern Idaho received half an inch to 2 inches of precipitation this week. Eastern Washington mostly received over a half inch of precipitation, while western Washington, western Oregon and north-central and northwest California received heavier amounts ranging from 2 to locally over 5 inches of precipitation. Recent precipitation helped to improve streamflow and precipitation deficits across much of Idaho, leading to widespread improvements in drought conditions. Severe also improved across much of western Montana as a result of recent precipitation events. Severe drought was also removed in northwest Oregon after recent heavy precipitation improved streamflow levels and lessened short- and long-term precipitation deficits. In north-central Montana, drought conditions worsened as weather stayed mostly dry, leading to larger short-term precipitation deficits and low streamflow levels.

Caribbean

Rainfall this week in Puerto Rico was generally below normal in central and eastern parts of the island, while a few spots near the west coast received at or above an inch above normal. Temperatures in eastern Puerto Rico were mostly 1-3 degrees above normal. Abnormal dryness continued in portions of southeast Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Virgin Islands remained free of abnormal dryness or drought this week. Windswept Beach on St. John reported only 0.23 inches of rain along with CoCoRaHS observer reports of 0.59 and 0.32 inches elsewhere on the island. On St. Thomas, rainfall amounts reported by CoCoRaHS observers were about an inch or less. St. Croix observer reports were a mix between 0.14 and 0.62 inches of rainfall across the island averaging 0.45 inches.

Pacific

Alaska remained free of drought and abnormal dryness this week. Weekly precipitation anomalies varied widely across the state, though generally, southeast and east-central Alaska had above-normal precipitation amounts, while central and west-central Alaska tended to be drier than normal. Temperatures soared to 5-15 degrees above normal in north-central and east-central Alaska, while above-normal temperatures were also common in southeast Alaska to a lesser degree. Colder-than-normal temperatures were found in much of southwest Alaska and in the Aleutian Islands, with some spots in these areas finishing the week 5-10 degrees below normal.

A few localized improvements occurred in windward areas of the Big Island and east Maui, where recent heavy rainfall amounts led to improved streamflow levels. Heavier rainfall was also reported in some windward parts of Molokai and Oahu this week. Far eastern portions of the Big Island were mostly drier than normal, and severe drought continued there. Temperature observations in Hawaii were mostly within 1.5 degrees of normal, with readings on the Big Island mostly on the warm side of this range.

At Pago Pago, at least 2.01 inches of rain have fallen this week, with three days missing from the analysis. At Toa Ridge, 2.25 inches of rain have fallen this week, and 0.12 inches of rainfall was reported at Siufaga Ridge. American Samoa remained free of drought and abnormal dryness this week.

At Koror, 2.18 inches of rainfall was reported with two days missing, so Palau remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week.

The Mariana Islands remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week. Rainfall amounts recorded this week included up to 3.12 inches at Guam, 1.68 inches at Rota, 1.04 inches at Tinian and up to 2.48 inches at Saipan.

Short-term severe drought continued this week in Kapingamarangi. Another week of beneficial rainfall totaled 1.32 inches this week but was less than the required 2 inches of rain a week needed for water demand. Yellowing vegetation was reported on the island. Due to missing data, Fananu, Ulithi and Pingelap did not receive USDM designations. All other islands in the Federated States of Micronesia remained free of drought or abnormal dryness. Yap reported 4.04 inches of rain with two days missing. Woleai reported 5.99 inches of rain, with one day also missing there. Chuuk reported 1.41 inches of rain with two days missing. Lukunor reported 2.37 inches of rain with five days missing. Nukuoro reported 0.41 inches of rain with two days missing. Pohnpei reported 2.03 inches of rain with two days missing. Kosrae reported 5.15 inches of rain with one day missing.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week. Kwajalein reported 5.79 inches of rainfall with one day missing. Ailinglapalap reported 2.37 inches of rain with two missing days. In Jaluit, 6.05 inches of rain was reported with one day missing. In Majuro, 3.61 inches of rain were reported with one day missing. In Mili, 2.59 inches of rainfall were reported. In Utirik and Wotje, rainfall amounts were lower with 0.24 inches and 1.03 inches respectively. In Utirik, given that a little under 8

inches of rain were reported in October and only 0.58 inches of rain being recorded for November, any developing further dryness there will be monitored.

Looking Ahead

From the evening of Nov. 12 through Nov. 17, the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center is forecasting heavy precipitation to fall across parts of the western U.S. Precipitation amounts from 3-5 inches (locally higher) may fall across large portions of California, especially the southwest coastal areas and portions of the Sierra Nevada. Heavy precipitation amounts from 2-5 inches (locally higher) are also anticipated in parts of northwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula. Over 0.75 inches of precipitation is also forecast in southeast California, southern Nevada, portions of western and central Arizona and southwest Utah. A few other locales may receive an inch or more of precipitation, including the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado and parts of the northern Idaho Panhandle and northwest Montana. Much drier weather is forecast across most of the rest of the Contiguous U.S. for this period, though some parts of New York and New England may receive over a half inch of precipitation.

For the period from Nov. 18-22, the NWS Climate Prediction Center forecast favors above-normal precipitation across much of the Contiguous U.S., especially from the Southwest northeastward to the Lower Ohio River Valley. Drier-than-normal weather is slightly favored in northeast parts of Maine, while near-normal precipitation amounts are most likely in the Florida Peninsula. Near-normal temperatures are favored for New England, while elsewhere, colder-than-normal temperatures are likelier west of the Continental Divide, while warmer-than-normal temperatures are favored to the east of the Continental Divide. Forecaster confidence in warmer-than-normal weather is highest from the Gulf Coast north to the Lower Midwest and southern Great Plains, and near and west of Lake Superior. Above-normal precipitation and temperatures are favored in Hawaii. In Alaska, above-normal precipitation is also favored, with the strongest chances being in the southwest part of the state. Above-normal temperatures are favored in most areas of Alaska, except for the far northwest, where near-normal temperatures are expected.