Hawaii drought conditions
Hawaii has no drought on the Drought Monitor map of Sep 15, 2026, but 13.1% of the state is abnormally dry (D0).
Map valid Sep 15, 2026, released Thursday, Sep 17, 2026. The next map is due Thursday, Sep 24, 2026.
- In drought
- 0%
- Worst category
- D0 Abnormally dry
- Abnormally dry or worse
- 13.1%
- Counties with drought
- 0 of 5
Radar
Reflectivity now over Hawaii. Open it to see the Drought Monitor on the map.
Radar mosaic and map layers from NOAA MRMS. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
This week's map, by category
Percent of Hawaii in each category or worse, the Drought Monitor's own way of counting. In exactly one category this week: D0 13.1%, D1 0%, D2 0%, D3 0%, D4 0%; none 86.9%.
| Category | This weekSep 15 | Last weekSep 8 | 3 months agoJun 16 | A year agoSep 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0 to D4 Abnormally dry or worse | 13.1% | 14.8% | 15.7% | 99.9% |
| D1 to D4 Moderate or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 68.6% |
| D2 to D4 Severe or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 23.3% |
| D3 to D4 Extreme or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 2.8% |
| D4 Exceptional drought | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| None | 86.9% | 85.2% | 84.3% | 0.1% |
The past year
Percent of Hawaii in each category, week by week. Each color includes the worse categories drawn over it.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Every week in the chart
| Map | D0+ | D1+ | D2+ | D3+ | D4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2026 | 13.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 8, 2026 | 14.8% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 1, 2026 | 18.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 25, 2026 | 18.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 18.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 11, 2026 | 37.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 4, 2026 | 32.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 28, 2026 | 29% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 29% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 14, 2026 | 29% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 30, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 23, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 16, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 9, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 2, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 26, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 19, 2026 | 15.7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 12, 2026 | 18.9% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 5, 2026 | 18.9% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 28, 2026 | 20.2% | 3.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 24.9% | 6.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 24.9% | 6.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 7, 2026 | 28.3% | 6.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 31, 2026 | 45.9% | 6.8% | 2.3% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 24, 2026 | 45.9% | 6.8% | 2.3% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 53.5% | 12.3% | 2.3% | 0.8% | 0% |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 76.9% | 53.6% | 12.8% | 2.4% | 0% |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 76.9% | 53.6% | 12.8% | 2.4% | 0% |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 79.3% | 54.9% | 13.8% | 2.4% | 0% |
| Feb 17, 2026 | 82.6% | 55.8% | 13.8% | 2.4% | 0% |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 84% | 59.4% | 17.9% | 3.4% | 0% |
| Feb 3, 2026 | 84.7% | 68.7% | 23.7% | 4.7% | 0% |
| Jan 27, 2026 | 84.7% | 68.7% | 23.7% | 4.7% | 0% |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 84.6% | 68.4% | 23.2% | 4.1% | 0% |
| Jan 13, 2026 | 85.2% | 68.4% | 23.2% | 4.1% | 0% |
| Jan 6, 2026 | 85.2% | 70.7% | 25% | 4.1% | 0% |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 85.2% | 70.7% | 27.4% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Dec 23, 2025 | 85.2% | 70.7% | 27.4% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 99.3% | 73.7% | 28.2% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 100% | 86.8% | 33% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 100% | 86.8% | 33% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 99.3% | 67.9% | 22.3% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 99.3% | 67.9% | 22.3% | 5.5% | 0% |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 99.3% | 69.9% | 28.5% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 99.3% | 70.5% | 31.3% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 99.3% | 70.5% | 30.1% | 4.8% | 0% |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 99.3% | 70.4% | 25.7% | 4.8% | 0% |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 99.3% | 70.4% | 25.7% | 4.8% | 0% |
| Oct 7, 2025 | 99.3% | 70.4% | 25.7% | 4.8% | 0% |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 99.9% | 70.4% | 25.7% | 4.8% | 0% |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 99.9% | 68.6% | 23.3% | 2.8% | 0% |
| Sep 16, 2025 | 99.9% | 68.6% | 23.3% | 2.8% | 0% |
Since 2000
Every weekly map of Hawaii since January 2000.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Year by year
| Year | Worst category | Most in drought | Week of | Weeks with drought |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | D3 Extreme drought | 70.7% | Jan 6 | 17 of 37 |
| 2025 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2024 | D3 Extreme drought | 84.6% | Oct 22 | 53 of 53 |
| 2023 | D3 Extreme drought | 94.8% | Oct 24 | 40 of 52 |
| 2022 | D4 Exceptional drought | 94% | Aug 30 | 48 of 52 |
| 2021 | D4 Exceptional drought | 59.4% | Jul 20 | 50 of 52 |
| 2020 | D4 Exceptional drought | 74.4% | Nov 10 | 52 of 52 |
| 2019 | D4 Exceptional drought | 70.5% | Feb 12 | 53 of 53 |
| 2018 | D2 Severe drought | 36.4% | Aug 28 | 22 of 52 |
| 2017 | D3 Extreme drought | 72.3% | Aug 22 | 52 of 52 |
| 2016 | D3 Extreme drought | 79.5% | Apr 5 | 52 of 52 |
| 2015 | D2 Severe drought | 54.4% | Mar 3 | 38 of 52 |
| 2014 | D3 Extreme drought | 39.3% | Jan 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2013 | D3 Extreme drought | 68.8% | Nov 5 | 53 of 53 |
| 2012 | D4 Exceptional drought | 74.3% | Dec 4 | 52 of 52 |
| 2011 | D3 Extreme drought | 66.9% | Nov 1 | 52 of 52 |
| 2010 | D4 Exceptional drought | 83% | Feb 23 | 52 of 52 |
| 2009 | D3 Extreme drought | 80.9% | Jun 23 | 52 of 52 |
| 2008 | D3 Extreme drought | 78.3% | Sep 23 | 37 of 53 |
| 2007 | D2 Severe drought | 76.5% | Jun 12 | 30 of 52 |
| 2006 | D1 Moderate drought | 9.6% | Jan 3 | 18 of 52 |
| 2005 | D1 Moderate drought | 69.5% | Jun 7 | 6 of 52 |
| 2004 | D1 Moderate drought | 37.9% | Oct 5 | 4 of 52 |
| 2003 | D2 Severe drought | 76.7% | Jun 17 | 52 of 52 |
| 2002 | D2 Severe drought | 6.2% | Jan 15 | 24 of 53 |
| 2001 | D3 Extreme drought | 79.3% | Feb 6 | 52 of 52 |
| 2000 | D3 Extreme drought | 76.2% | Jun 13 | 52 of 52 |
Drought history since 2000
Some part of Hawaii was in drought on 80% of the weekly maps since Jan 4, 2000, and exceptional drought (D4) last reached the state the week of Dec 13, 2022.
- Weeks with some drought
- 1,117 of 1,394 (80%)
- Worst category reached
- D4 Exceptional drought, last the week of Dec 13, 2022
- Most widespread
- 100% in drought, week of Jan 7, 2025
- Longest spell
- 388 weeks, Apr 22, 2008 to Sep 22, 2015
- Last in drought
- Week of Apr 28, 2026
Counties
Every county in Hawaii: the worst category on this week's map, the share of it in drought, and CPC's monthly outlook at its center. Each page has the county's record since 2000.
| County | Worst category | In drought | Change | Monthly outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii County | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Honolulu County | None | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Kalawao County | None | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Kauai County | None | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Maui County | None | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
Outlook
The Climate Prediction Center's monthly drought outlook for Sep 2026, read at the center of each county. Its seasonal outlook runs through December 31; each county page has both.
- No_Drought5 counties
What drought has meant in Hawaii
The National Drought Mitigation Center's examples of impacts observed in Hawaii at each level of drought.
D0 Abnormally dry
- Corn quality declines; less water is available for irrigation
- Hiking trails are noticeably dry with soil erosion
D1 Moderate drought
- Concerns about fire danger increase
- More bugs observed than normal
- Pasture and crop growth is stunted; farmers are not allowed to use reservoir water for irrigation
- Water levels decline; voluntary water restrictions are issued; reservoir levels are depleted in high elevations
D2 Severe drought
- Fire danger is high
- Pasture conditions are very dry/poor; cattle health is poor; protea, coffee bean, sugar cane crops struggle
- Reservoir levels are low; springs are dried up; mandatory water restrictions are implemented
D3 Extreme drought
- Fires spread rapidly; outdoor burn bans are implemented
- Producers cull cattle, buy supplements and haul water for livestock
- Sugar cane producer lays off many employees
- Trees are dry and dropping leaves; feral donkeys move into populated areas
- Water production is reduced
D4 Exceptional drought
- Cattle die; cattle conception rates are reduced
- Hunting areas and hiking trails may be closed due to increased fire danger
- Specialty crops, orchards are dying
- Surface water is severely impacted
- Tree beetle populations decline
Drawn from the Drought Impact Reporter and local observers.
This week in the Pacific
The Drought Monitor authors' narrative for the map of Sep 15, 2026, released Sep 17, 2026.
In Alaska, areas of abnormally dry conditions were also removed based on recent rains in the southeastern part of the mainland.
Over Hawaii, rainfall from remnants and outer bands of tropical systems resulted in removal of abnormally dry conditions on the islands of Maui and Molokaʻi.
Conditions across the Marshal islands brought intermittent showers and heavy rainfall for most islands this week (September 9-15). This week, all but Utirik (1.74 inches) received over 3 inches of rain with Ailinglapalap recording 6.41 inches, Jaluit 4.13 inches, Kwajalein 5.84 inches, Majuro 3.87 inches, Mili 4.23 inches and Wotje 3.54 inches. While Utirik did receive 1.74 inches this week, it follows several weeks of below adequate precipitation demand leading to the introduction of short-term abnormal dryness (D0-S).
The Federation States of Micronesia experienced generally good rainfall this week, with most stations receiving 2-6 inches. This week, Chuuk Lagoon received 2.39 inches (1 day missing), Kapingamarangi 0.98 inches, Kosrae 2.16 inches (2 days missing), Lukunor 5.91 inches (2 days missing), Nukuoro 1.88 inches, Ulithi 3.34 inches, (2 days missing) Pohnpei 5.81 inches, Woleai 4.19 inches (1 day missing) and Yap 2.23 inches (1 day missing). Kapingamarangi remained in short-term abnormally dryness (D0-S) after at least three weeks of dryness but showed some improvement from recent rainfall. Fananu and Pingelap had no data.
American Samoa received much needed and beneficial rainfall this week after several dry weeks. This week, Pago Pago received 2.68 inches (1 day missing), Siufaga Ridge 6.56 inches and Toa Ridge 5.43 inches. Despite the abundant rainfall this week, conditions remain in short-term moderate drought conditions, though more rainfall in the weeks to come could improve those conditions.
Palau experienced another week of inadequate precipitation and remain in short-term moderate drought (D1-S). This week with both Koror and WSO Palau/Airai recorded 1.87 inches. While this week did get more precipitation, this followed 2 consecutive dry weeks.
This week, the Mariana Islands received generally adequate rainfall. Synoptic conditions favored active convection and locally heavy showers, particularly over Guam that received an average of 2.7 inches this week with Antonio B Won Pat International Airport recording 4.49 inches, Agat 3.19 recording inches and Dededo recording 3.13 inches (2 days missing). Saipan averaged over 3.18 inches this week with Saipan International Airport recording 3.41 inches and Capital Hill recording 2.95 inches this week. Rota received 2.54 inches this week with the September monthly total already surpassing the necessary 4 inches (4.52 inches). Tinian only recorded trace precipitation (0.06 inches), though there was no data for 6 of the 7 days this week. All islands remain free of dryness or drought.
Looking ahead
Over the next five days leading up to next Tuesday, above normal rainfall is forecast in south Florida as well as a large area in southern Wisconsin and Minnesota into eastern Iowa and northern Illinois. The latter area of forecasted rainfall continues to the east through central Michigan, the southern Great Lakes, Pennsylvania, New York, and much of central and southern New England. Other locations with rainfall in the forecast this week are in the Appalachian Mountains, the western Great Plains, and the Four Corners states. Unfortunately, most of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are forecast to receive little rainfall. Dry conditions are also forecast in California, Nevada, and Washington. Much above normal temperatures are forecast to continue this week in the central and southern U.S.
The 6- to 10-day outlook (September 22-26, 2026) favors above normal temperatures continuing over nearly all of the continental United States. Areas most likely to be above normal are again the south into the southeast, plus the far north. Hawaii is also likely to be above normal. For precipitation, the Eastern Seaboard is likely to have above normal rainfall as is the Southwest. The central U.S. into the upper Midwest is likely to have below normal rainfall. Hawaii and Alaska are both likely to have above normal rain during this period.
Written by Lindsay Johnson, National Drought Mitigation Center; David Mocko, SSAI, NASA/GSFC. The national narrative.
What this means
The five categories the Drought Monitor draws, and how the map is made.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- Going into or coming out of drought.
- D1 Moderate drought
- Some damage to crops and pastures; water shortages developing.
- D2 Severe drought
- Crop or pasture losses likely; water restrictions imposed.
- D3 Extreme drought
- Major crop and pasture losses; widespread water shortages.
- D4 Exceptional drought
- Exceptional and widespread losses; water emergencies.
The US Drought Monitor is drawn every week by authors at the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA and NOAA, who weigh rainfall, soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater, vegetation health and reports from local observers. Each map shows conditions through Tuesday morning and is released on Thursday. It shows where drought is and how bad it is; it does not forecast it. CPC's outlooks do that.
Sources
Statistics and narrative from the US Drought Monitor, courtesy of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with USDA and NOAA. Outlooks from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Impacts from NDMC's State Impacts tool.