Albany, NY — Despite a few welcome showers earlier this month, drought persists across parts of eastern New York and neighboring southern Vermont as October winds down, according to the National Weather Service in Albany and the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
Moderate drought (D1) remains entrenched across portions of the Mohawk Valley, the southern Adirondacks, and the northern Berkshires. Farther east, northern Washington County and adjacent areas of southern Vermont continue to endure severe drought (D2), highlighting the uneven nature of recent precipitation.
While the Catskills and the mid-Hudson Valley have seen slight relief, overall soil moisture and streamflows are still running below typical late-season levels. Forecasters note that no meaningful rain is expected through the weekend. A more promising pattern may develop next week, and if precipitation is widespread, it could offer short-term improvement—but sustained recovery will require more consistent rainfall.
The next official drought status update is scheduled for October 30, 2025. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to conserve water where possible and to stay informed via official resources.
For detailed information and interactive maps, visit weather.gov/aly and the U.S. Drought Monitor at droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
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