Is Mohave County in a drought?
D2 Severe drought
Yes. 96.5% of Mohave County is in drought on the Drought Monitor map of Sep 29, 2026, the worst of it severe drought (D2) across 24.1% of the county. That is unchanged from a week earlier. It has been in drought since the week of Jul 21, 2020.
Map valid Sep 29, 2026, released Thursday, Oct 1, 2026. The next map is due Thursday, Oct 8, 2026. Statewide, 63.3% of Arizona is in drought.
This week’s map
The Drought Monitor for Arizona, valid Sep 29, 2026. County lines are drawn in; the categories are the same as the national map.

- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Open the live map with the Drought Monitor
Map courtesy of the US Drought Monitor, NDMC-UNL, with USDA and NOAA. Original at droughtmonitor.unl.edu
This week's map, by category
Percent of Mohave County in each category or worse, the Drought Monitor's own way of counting. In exactly one category this week: D0 3.5%, D1 72.3%, D2 24.1%, D3 0%, D4 0%; none 0%.
| Category | This weekSep 29 | Last weekSep 22 | 3 months agoJun 30 | A year agoSep 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0 to D4 Abnormally dry or worse | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| D1 to D4 Moderate or worse | 96.5% | 96.5% | 100% | 100% |
| D2 to D4 Severe or worse | 24.1% | 24.1% | 62.2% | 100% |
| D3 to D4 Extreme or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 8.4% |
| D4 Exceptional drought | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| None | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
The past year
Percent of Mohave County 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 29, 2026 | 100% | 96.5% | 24.1% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 22, 2026 | 100% | 96.5% | 24.1% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 15, 2026 | 100% | 96.5% | 29.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 8, 2026 | 100% | 96.5% | 29.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 1, 2026 | 100% | 96.5% | 29.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 25, 2026 | 100% | 96.5% | 29.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 42.4% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 11, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 51.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 4, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 51.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 28, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 51.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 14, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 30, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 23, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 16, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 9, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 2, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.2% | 0% | 0% |
| May 26, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 60.8% | 0% | 0% |
| May 19, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 60.8% | 0% | 0% |
| May 12, 2026 | 100% | 98.5% | 35% | 0% | 0% |
| May 5, 2026 | 100% | 98.5% | 35% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 28, 2026 | 100% | 90.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 100% | 90.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 100% | 40.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 7, 2026 | 100% | 40.3% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 31, 2026 | 100% | 38.9% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 24, 2026 | 100% | 37.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 62.4% | 37.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 58.7% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 58.7% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 58.7% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 17, 2026 | 58.8% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 58.8% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 3, 2026 | 58.8% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 27, 2026 | 58.8% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 59.3% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 13, 2026 | 59.3% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 6, 2026 | 59.5% | 25.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 94.2% | 57.4% | 25.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 23, 2025 | 94.2% | 57.4% | 25.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 94.2% | 57.4% | 25.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 94.2% | 57.4% | 25.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 100% | 94.3% | 25.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 25.3% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 77.9% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 77.9% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 77.9% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 77.9% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 77.9% | 6.7% | 0% |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 80.3% | 8.4% | 0% |
| Oct 7, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 80.2% | 8.4% | 0% |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8.4% | 0% |
Since 2000
Every weekly map of Mohave County 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 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | May 19 | 39 of 39 |
| 2025 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2024 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Oct 29 | 53 of 53 |
| 2023 | D2 Severe drought | 99.4% | Jan 3 | 52 of 52 |
| 2022 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 4 | 52 of 52 |
| 2021 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 5 | 52 of 52 |
| 2020 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Aug 18 | 34 of 52 |
| 2019 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 1 | 23 of 53 |
| 2018 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 2 | 52 of 52 |
| 2017 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Dec 5 | 5 of 52 |
| 2016 | D1 Moderate drought | 77.9% | Jan 5 | 51 of 52 |
| 2015 | D3 Extreme drought | 94.2% | Jan 6 | 52 of 52 |
| 2014 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Mar 18 | 52 of 52 |
| 2013 | D3 Extreme drought | 95.6% | Jun 11 | 53 of 53 |
| 2012 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Apr 3 | 52 of 52 |
| 2011 | D2 Severe drought | 9.8% | Nov 15 | 18 of 52 |
| 2010 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jan 5 | 23 of 52 |
| 2009 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Nov 10 | 23 of 52 |
| 2008 | D2 Severe drought | 82% | Jan 1 | 53 of 53 |
| 2007 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Mar 6 | 52 of 52 |
| 2006 | D2 Severe drought | 91.8% | Jun 6 | 48 of 52 |
| 2005 | D2 Severe drought | 75% | Jan 4 | 6 of 52 |
| 2004 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 6 | 52 of 52 |
| 2003 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2002 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Mar 12 | 48 of 53 |
| 2001 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2000 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Aug 15 | 7 of 52 |
Drought history since 2000
Some part of Mohave County was in drought on 76% of the weekly maps since Jan 4, 2000, and exceptional drought (D4) last reached the county the week of Jun 3, 2025.
- Weeks with some drought
- 1,056 of 1,396 (76%)
- Worst category reached
- D4 Exceptional drought, last the week of Jun 3, 2025
- Most widespread
- 100% in drought, week of Aug 18, 2026
- Longest spell
- 324 weeks, Jul 21, 2020 to Sep 29, 2026
- Current spell
- 324 weeks, since Jul 21, 2020
Outlook
The Climate Prediction Center's drought outlooks at the center of Mohave County: whether drought is expected to develop, persist, improve or end.
- Monthly outlook, Oct 2026
- Drought removal likely
- Seasonal outlook, through December 31 (issued Sep 30)
- Drought removal likely
The monthly outlook is issued on the last day of each month, the seasonal one on the third Thursday. CPC's discussion.
What drought has meant in Arizona
The National Drought Mitigation Center's examples of impacts observed in Arizona at each level of drought, starting with this week's worst here.
D2 Severe drought This week
- Fire danger is high; fire crews are mobilizing
- Little forage remains for wildlife; pine trees are losing needles
- Water and feed are inadequate for livestock
D0 Abnormally dry
- Fire risk increases
- Forage is limited; soil is dry
D1 Moderate drought
- Plants are stressed; hillsides are unusually brown
- Stock ponds and creeks are nearly dry; some springs are dry
D3 Extreme drought
- Fire preparedness increases; fire restrictions are implemented early
- Livestock do not have adequate water; runoff is short; conditions are dusty
- Native plants are stressed
- Ranching operations are affected
- Skiing tourism is low; snowpack is extremely low
- Wildlife encroach on developed areas in search of food and water
D4 Exceptional drought
- Fire restrictions increase; large fires occur year-round
- Lakes, ponds, and streams are dry
- Vegetation green-up is poor; native plants are dying
Drawn from the Drought Impact Reporter and local observers.
Burn bans and water restrictions
The Drought Monitor does not issue burn bans or water restrictions. Mohave County's officials, the state forestry or fire agency, and local water utilities set them, often once drought reaches D2 or dry fuels raise the fire danger. Check the county's emergency management office or fire marshal for a ban in force, and the alerts page for red flag warnings and fire weather watches.
This week in the West
The Drought Monitor authors' narrative for the map of Sep 29, 2026, released Oct 1, 2026.
Outside of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, which experienced deep and substantial drought-busting rainfall this past week, the western states generally had unchanging drought conditions. The Pacific Northwestern states of Washington and Oregon began experiencing the first of its fall rainy systems, helping to ease drought pressure across western Oregon, where drought was downgraded in a couple spots. Drought and dryness also improved in southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming this past week.
Looking ahead
Ongoing substantial rain was falling Tuesday morning at the onset of the new U.S. Drought Monitor week, from Arizona and New Mexico into the Central and High Plains. This excessive rainy system connected to Hurricane Polo is projected to continue eastward this week into the High Plains, Midwest, and South regions. The Weather Prediction Center has moderate threats for excessive rainfall from the Southwest into Texas, Oklahoma, northward into Nebraska and Iowa. Drought-busting rains may be possible across the South as this weather system evolves this week. Looking into the next week, the Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10-day outlook indicates that well-above average temperatures will shift into the western states, along with below normal precipitation chances. Meanwhile, above average precipitation chances are projected from southern Texas into the southeastern states, including Florida. Above average precipitation chances are also projected for southeastern Alaska, with near neutral rainfall forecasts for Hawaii.
Written by Denise Gutzmer, National Drought Mitigation Center; Jonathan Case, NASA/MSFC, UAH. 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.
Nearby
The counties bordering Mohave County, with the worst category on this week's map.
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.