Drought Information Statement for Vermont and northern New York October 30, 2025 Issued By: NWS Burlington, VT Contact Information: nwsbtv.info@noaa.gov Please see all currently available products at drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Extreme drought continues across a substantial portion of Vermont. Elsewhere, widespread moderate to severe drought continues, though has lessened slightly across the Champlain Valley and portions of the western slopes of the Green Mountains. Required 1 Current U.S. Drought Monitor Map Drought intensity and Extent: D3 (Extreme Drought): Most of eastern Vermont and a small portion of Addison and Rutland County, VT. D2 (Severe Drought): Most of the remainder of Vermont and the St. Lawrence Valley of New York. D1 (Moderate Drought): The rest of northern New York and the northern Champlain Valley of New York and Vermont. Required https://nedews.nrcc.cornell.edu/ under US Drought Monitor header USDM Drought Class Definitions Two-Week Change in Drought Intensity The northern Champlain Valley and the western slopes of the central and northern Green Mountains have seen a one class improvement in drought conditions over the past two weeks. This was largely due to moderate to locally heavy rainfall occurring on Oct. 20-21, 2025. 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. https://nedews.nrcc.cornell.edu/ under US Drought Monitor header Ending October 28, 2025 30-Day and 60-Day Precipitation Departures Much of the Champlain Valley has seen near normal precipitation over the past 30 to 60 days Elsewhere, negative precipitation departures were observed, most notably in northern New York. 30 Day Precipitation Departure 60 Day Precipitation Departure Required https://nedews.nrcc.cornell.edu/ under Current ACIS Precipitation maps https://www.drought.gov/topics/temperature-precipitation (zoom in on map and download) Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Streamflows show a mix of near to below normal readings. Drought impacts of varied severity continue across the region, but have lessened slightly in a few areas due to recent rainfall. USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 10/14/25 https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?id=pa07d_dry&sid=w__map|m__pa07d_dwc&r=vt and https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?id=pa07d_dry&sid=w__map|m__pa07d_dwc&r=ny Soil Moisture and Agricultural Impacts Climate Prediction Center Soil Moisture anomalies continue to show dry conditions across the area. This dryness has produced negative consequences for crop yields. Estimated crop failures have been reported in many areas. https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Soilmst_Monitoring/US/Soilmst/Soilmst.shtml#, daily anomaly October 16 - 29, 2025 CMOR Reports Several drought reports from the public in the past two weeks have been submitted via CMOR. Many more were reported in the preceding weeks. CMOR link at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/016ac3b48c5049909106a23e6556311b CMOR and Other Data Most reports show moderately to severely dry conditions with a few areas near normal. VT DEC Drought Reporter website has received numerous reports of well water shortages and other drinking water-related issues. Below CMOR report map Water Supply/Levels - Lake Champlain Lake Champlain continues to run well below normal, though has seen a slight rebound as a result of recent rainfall. Submerged hazards remain a threat to boaters due to low lake levels. Use caution near shorelines or other areas of shallow water. https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Soilmst_Monitoring/US/Soilmst/Soilmst.shtml#, daily anomaly Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire agencies in New York and Vermont have reported some modest improvement in terms of lower fire activity in recent weeks due to cooler and somewhat wetter conditions. The monthly November outlook for the Northeast shows a near normal fire threat. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/predictive/outlooks/month1_outlook.png Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Widespread rainfall of between 0.75 to 2 inches is expected across our region over the next week. Most of the rain looks to fall today into tomorrow (10/30-31). If forecast amounts are realized, some modest improvement in drought conditions will be recommended next week. https://www.weather.gov/nerfc/ForecastPrecipitation, under WPC QPF Monthly Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There are equal chances for above normal and below normal precipitation for November. There are also equal chances of above and below normal temperatures for November. Drought Outlooks Other information can be viewed at the following link. Drought Outlooks Some gradual improvement in drought conditions is expected in November and December. Summary of Impacts and Outlook Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Streamflows and groundwater levels are well below normal across the majority of our area for this date in October based on USGS gauges. Some levels have returned to near normal, especially in portions of the Champlain Valley, due to recent heavier rainfall. Agricultural Impacts Farmers continue to face challenges with crops and livestock due to the lack of adequate rainfall, forcing them to implement water conservation measures and even truck in water. Many reports of yield loss or near total crop failure have been reported. Future economic impacts will be largely related to water supply for animals, and winter feed concerns. Fire Hazard Impacts Prolonged dry periods have helped weaken and kill off vegetation, creating dry fuel that can ignite easily. However, a general normal precipitation pattern combined with cooler temperatures have lessened the overall fire threat going forward. Other Impacts Reports of dry wells and drinking water problems/restrictions continue in some areas across both Vermont and northern New York over the past two weeks. Some residences/farms are relying on hauled water and/or buying water due to low wells. Low lake/reservoir levels have allowed submerged structures/debris to pose a safety hazard near shorelines or other areas of shallow water in certain areas. Mitigation Actions Calls to Action: Conserve water and follow directions from local officials. Outlook Drought is expected to remain across the area, but if current forecasts pan out over the coming weeks, some modest improvement is expected in November and December. Contact and Next Drought Briefing Information Next Drought Briefing Thursday, October 30, 2025 Method: Sent via email by 3 pm Disclaimer Information contained in this briefing is time-sensitive Do Not Use After: Thursday, November 13, 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