Drought Information Statement for Vermont and northern New York September 4, 2025 Issued By: NWS Burlington, VT Contact Information: nwsbtv.info@noaa.gov Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Severe drought impacts worsen as moderate drought categories expand across Vermont and northern New York by early September U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent: D2 (Severe Drought): Essex County in New York, Addison, Chittenden, Washington, Orange, Caledonia, Orleans and Essex Counties in Vermont. D1 (Moderate Drought): St Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton and Essex Counties in New York, Grand Isle, Franklin, Chittenden, Orleans, Lamoille, Caledonia, Washington, Orange, Addison, Rutland, Windsor, Bennington and Windham Counties in Vermont. D0: (Abnormally Dry): St Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton Counties in New York. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change: Drought Worsened: most of Vermont and parts of eastern northern New York No Change: most of northern New York Drought impacts can vary based on type of sector (fire, agriculture, water management, recreational, etc…) and on local infiltration rates based on your soil types. A moderate drought defines the general regional level of impact, but local impacts can be more or less severe than the categories here suggest. Ending September 3, 2025 30-Day Precipitation The summer has been extremely dry and very warm. Since the beginning of Aug, drought developed and intensified in our area. Most of the area has had less than 2” of precipitation in the last month. These totals are on the order of 50% of normal or less. Temperature Departures from Normal Slightly above normal temperatures over the past 30-days coincided with the dry period, increasing evaporation and accelerating drought. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Streamflows are running much below normal throughout the northeast. Drought impacts are occurring across the region, including crop and tree stress, dry wells, an increase in wildfire activity, and water restrictions. USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 09/03/25 Agricultural Impacts Climate Prediction Center Soil Moisture products show rapidly drying topsoils resulting in deteriorating pasture conditions and increased watering needs for gardens and young trees. The drought is expected to have negative consequences for crop yields. Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire agencies in New York and Vermont have routinely issued high to very high fire danger ratings recently due to very dry fuels. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast 7-day rainfall through September 11 suggests minor drought relief. Vermont and northern New York should see between 1” and 2.5” of rainfall over the next week. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Below normal temperatures and precipitation are expected for the 8-14 day period, from Sept. 11-17th. Over the next three months, above normal temperatures are favored with equal chances for above, below and near normal precipitation. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are expected to persist through the month of September. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Streamflows and groundwater levels are well below normal for this date in September based on USGS gages. Agricultural Impacts Farmers are facing challenges with crops and livestock due to the lack of adequate rainfall, forcing them to implement water conservation measures and even truck in water. Fire Hazard Impacts Prolonged dry periods weaken or kill off vegetation, creating dry fuel that can ignite easily with a source. Limited soil moisture can put stress on trees leading to early shedding of leaves and shutting down of annual grasses. Other Impacts Reports of dry wells have increased across both Vermont and northern New York with more anticipated due to worsening conditions. Mitigation Actions Calls to Action: Conserve water, practice fire prevention, and follow directions from local officials. Contact and Next Drought Briefing Information Next Briefing Thursday, September 11, 2025 Method: Sent via email by 3 pm Disclaimer Information contained in this briefing is time-sensitive Do Not Use After: Thursday, September 11, 2025 ! Contact Information Web weather.gov/burlington Phone (802) 862-2475 Email nwsbtv.info@noaa.gov Facebook facebook.com/NWSBurlington Twitter x.com/nwsburlington For northern New York and all of Vermont