Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

U.S. Drought Grows: 27.7% Affected, 75 Million Impacted

8/30/2025

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

As of August 26, 2025, 27.7% of the U.S., including Puerto Rico, faces moderate to exceptional drought, an increase from 26.0% in late July.
Severe drought categories rose from 4.8% to 6.0%, impacting the Lower Mississippi Valley and Northeast.
About 75.4 million people are in drought-affected areas, down by 9 million since late July.
In Missouri, most counties are classified as abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought.

1 of 1

Story summary

As of August 26, 2025, 27.7% of the U.S., including Puerto Rico, faces moderate to exceptional drought, an increase from 26.0% in late July.
Severe drought categories rose from 4.8% to 6.0%, impacting the Lower Mississippi Valley and Northeast.
About 75.4 million people are in drought-affected areas, down by 9 million since late July.
In Missouri, most counties are classified as abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought.