Drought Information Statement for Vermont and northern New York November 25, 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. Severe drought continues across portions of eastern Vermont. Elsewhere, conditions continue to slowly improve with mainly abnormally dry to moderate drought levels present. Current U.S. Drought Monitor Map Drought intensity and Extent: D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of east-central and northeast Vermont. D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of eastern Vermont, as well as St. Lawrence and Essex Counties in New York. D0 (Abnormally Dry): The majority of the remainder of the area. No Drought: The northern Champlain Valley of Vermont. USDM Drought Class Definitions Two-Week Change in Drought Intensity Two-Week Drought Monitor Class Change (through Nov 18): Widespread 1 to 2 category improvements seen across the area, most notable in Vermont. Status quo for portions of St. Lawrence and Essex Counties in New York. 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 November 24, 2025 30-Day and 60-Day Precipitation Departures The majority of the area has seen above normal precipitation over the past 30 days. The exception is in eastern Vermont. In the 60 day time frame, longer-term dryness is still evident in many areas outside the Champlain Valley. 30 Day Precipitation Departure 60 Day Precipitation Departure Hydrologic Conditions - Streamflows Streamflows show continued improvement, with most areas falling within the normal 25th to 75th interquartile range. Exception in portions of eastern Vermont where more severe drought and longer-term dryness persist. USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC maps valid 11/24/25 Hydrologic Conditions - Groundwater Current groundwater data showing a mix of near to above normal levels, and 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 Soil Moisture and Agricultural Impacts Climate Prediction Center Soil Moisture anomalies continue to show drier than normal conditions across the area, but slow improvements continue. November 13-25, 2025 CMOR Reports Only a couple of reports have been submitted via CMOR, and both indicate improvements in drought conditions. CMOR and Other Data CMOR reports over the last two weeks show a mix of mildly dry and mildly wet conditions, with wetter conditions located in the Champlain Valley. VT DEC Drought Reporter website shows reports continue to decline in number over the last few weeks as conditions continue to gradually improve in most locations. Below CMOR report map Water Supply/Levels - Lake Champlain Significant recovery in Lake Champlain levels in the past 3 weeks. Level now near normal with no concerns going forward into the winter. Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire agencies in New York and Vermont have reported improvement in terms of lower fire activity in recent weeks due to cooler and wetter conditions. The monthly November outlook for the Northeast shows a near normal fire threat. November 25 to December 2, 2025 Seven Day Precipitation Forecast A cooler and wetter pattern is expected to continue across the region, with continued chances for rain and snow showers. 7-day average precipitation amounts predicted to range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Note: While accumulating snow is often a positive sign for areas experiencing drought, the stored water, measured as Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), does not provide an immediate benefit for drought recovery until it actually melts and begins to enter the wider water system. Monthly Outlook for December The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There are equal chances of above and below normal temperatures for December, with northern counties leaning slightly below normal. Precipitation chances are leaning above normal for the month of December. 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 have improved to near normal in many areas. Below normal levels remain in eastern Vermont (streamflows and groundwater) and portions of the St. Lawrence Valley (groundwater only) Agricultural Impacts Some farmers continue to face challenges with procuring winter hay/silage. Future economic impacts will be largely related to water supply for animals and winter feed concerns. Impacts to the quality/quantity of next spring’s maple syrup production are also possible (source - USDA). Other Impacts A handful of reports of low well water and adequate drinking water access continue in a few areas of eastern Vermont, although to a much lesser extent compared to earlier in late summer/early autumn. A few residences/farms are relying on hauled water and/or buying water due to low wells. Mitigation Actions Calls to Action: In remaining areas of severe drought (D2) in eastern Vermont, reach out to local/state level officials for guidance. Outlook Varying levels of drought are expected to remain across the area over the coming month, but additional improvement is expected through the month of December. Contact and Next Drought Briefing Information Next Drought Briefing Thursday, December 11, 2025 Method: Sent via email by 3 PM Disclaimer Information contained in this briefing is time-sensitive Do Not Use After: Thursday, December 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