Average annual percent area affected by drought in the U.S. 2015-2024, by category

On average, a 0.3 percent area in the continental United States was affected by exceptional drought (D4) throughout 2024. Possible impacts of D4 droughts are shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and other water sources which can create water emergencies, in addition to possible substantial crop and pasture losses. The average area of the U.S. not affected by drought increased in 2023, after having experienced a continual annual decrease for the previous three years.