Drought Information Statement for Vermont and northern New York January 15, 2026 Issued By: NWS Burlington, VT Contact Information: nwsbtv.info@noaa.gov Drought Conditions have continued to slowly improve across our region, with severe, or D2 drought conditions no longer present in eastern/northeastern VT. Expect some continued slow improvement in lingering moderate drought conditions across the St. Lawrence Valley and portions of eastern Vermont through late winter/early spring Required 1 Current U.S. Drought Monitor Map Drought intensity and Extent: D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of eastern Vermont and St. Lawrence County New York. D0 (Abnormally Dry): The remainder of northern New York and small portions of Vermont No Drought: The Champlain Valley of Vermont, western slopes of the Green Mountains and portions of Rutland County, VT. Required USDM Drought Class Definitions D0/D1 drought levels are largely being driven by long term precipitation deficits and lower ground water levels. One Week Change in Drought Intensity 1-week Drought Monitor Class Change (Jan. 6 - 13): 1 class improvement in portions of eastern/northeastern VT and far southwestern St. Lawrence County, NY (green shading). No changes elsewhere Note: Drought impacts can vary based on type of sector (fire, agriculture, water management, recreational, etc.) and on local infiltration rates based on soil types. Drought severity levels define the general regional level of impact, but local impacts can be more or less severe than the categories here suggest. Ending January 13, 2026 30-Day and 60-Day Precipitation Departures The majority of the area has seen precipitation totals falling between 75 and 125 percent of normal over the past 30 days. In the 60 day time frame, longer-term dryness is still evident in eastern Vermont, but not as severely as seen last autumn. 30 Day Precipitation Departure 60 Day Precipitation Departure Required As of January 14, 2026 Hydrologic Conditions - Streamflows 7-day streamflow averages have shown marked improvement over the past month with near surface recharge from several modest snowmelt/thawing events helping conditions. Lowest observed in far northeast VT. USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC maps valid 01/14/26 As of January 14, 2026 Hydrologic Conditions - Groundwater Current groundwater data showing a mix of near to below normal levels. Dryness most evident in eastern Vermont and portions of the St. Lawrence Valley. Note: Important to note that the depth and particular geologic makeup of wells can lead to variable conditions As of January 13, 2026 Soil Moisture and Agricultural Impacts Climate Prediction Center Soil Moisture anomalies continue to show drier than normal conditions across much of the area, but not nearly as severe as in past months. As of January 14, 2026 Water Supply/Levels - Lake Champlain Levels continue near normal, with no low water/water supply concerns going forward at this point. January 15-22, 2026 Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Mixed rains/snows taper off today. A colder, more seasonal weather pattern returns from Friday onward with periodic bouts of light snow or snow showers. 7-day average precipitation amounts predicted to range from 0.1 to 0.5 inches, falling mainly as snow. No large-scale heavy precipitation events are expected. Monthly Outlook for January 2026 The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Average January temperatures continue to look below normal as a whole. Precipitation chances are leaning near normal for the month. Drought Outlooks Other information can be viewed at this link. General improvement in drought conditions expected through Winter, except for northeastern Vermont where D0/D1 levels may linger. Summary of Impacts and Outlook Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Streamflows have largely returned to near normal levels given recent melting and modest thawing episodes over the past 6 weeks. Groundwater data shows a mix of near to below normal levels. The lowest levels in groundwater remain across portions of northeastern VT and the St. Lawrence Valley, indicative of longer term precipitation deficits in these areas.. Agricultural Impacts Some farmers continue to procure winter hay/silage from poor crop yields last year. Future economic impacts will be largely related to water supply for animals and winter feed concerns, but at this point the severity of those has lessened. Impacts to the quality/quantity of next spring’s maple syrup production are also possible (source - USDA). Mitigation Actions Calls to Action: In remaining areas of severe drought (D1) in eastern Vermont and the St. Lawrence Valley of New York, reach out to local/state level officials for guidance. Outlook Steady state or some gradual improvement in drought conditions are expected through the early spring. Future precipitation and the magnitude of the spring melt will largely drive conditions. Schedule: Drought Briefings for 2026 This will be the last briefing from NWS Burlington on current drought conditions. Per local policy, should conditions deteriorate to D2 or more severe drought levels in the future, then briefings would resume at that point. Contact and Next Drought Briefing Information Next Drought Briefing This will be the last briefing from NWS Burlington on current drought conditions. Per local policy, should conditions deteriorate to D2 or more severe drought levels in the future, then briefings would resume at that point. Disclaimer Information contained in this briefing is time-sensitive Do Not Use After: Thursday, January 29, 2026 Contact Information Web weather.gov/burlington Phone (802) 862-2475 Email nwsbtv.info@noaa.gov For northern New York and all of Vermont