Virginia, 2026Drought in Virginia, April 21 to 30, 2026
April 21 to 30, 2026 · NWS RNK · 27 events in 27 counties and zones
00 inches. This ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period, with locally lower percentiles in the 25 to 50 percent of normal.
Every event with a place to put it; 27 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
- Tornadoes
- Tropical storms and surge
- Floods
- Wind
- Hail
- Winter weather
- Heat and drought
- Cold
- Fire, smoke and dust
- Marine and coastal
- Other
Open the live radar over this ground
- Deaths
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Property damage
- None recorded
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 27
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
Extreme Drought conditions were introduced across south central Virginia in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, with locally lower totals of 4.00-6.00 inches. This ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period, with locally lower percentiles in the 25 to 50 percent of normal. These continued dry conditions combined with the dry fall and early winter conditions leading up to below average rainfall in November, December, January, February, and March contributed to a continued decline in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 10th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the James, Roanoke, New, and Dan River basins, which were all observed to be around the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 20, 6:55 PM EST, 5 hours 5 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1. Temperatures should plummet below freezing across the entire region tonight. 2. Warmer air returns for the remainder of this week with mainly dry conditions as the next best chance for widespread rainfall may not come until this weekend.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 20, 6:55 PM EST, 5 hours 5 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
755 PM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Evening aviation update.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1. Temperatures should plummet below freezing across the entire
region tonight.
2. Warmer air returns for the remainder of this week with
mainly dry conditions as the next best chance for widespread
rainfall may not come until this weekend.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1: Temperatures should plummet below freezing across
the entire region tonight.
The ongoing drought conditions has caused the models to poorly
handle the dry air mass in place and not account for wider
diurnal ranges in temperatures. With high pressure crossing the
Appalachian Mountains later tonight, mainly clear skies and
light winds should allow good boundary layer decoupling to
occur. As a result, temperatures were pushed downward for
tonight, which will warrant temperatures below freezing across
the entire region. Consequently, the Freeze Warning was expanded
so that the entire RNK coverage area is accounted for the risk
of freezing temperatures that could kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation. Lows in the mid to upper 20s are expected
along and west of the Blue Ridge and also across the Virginia
Piedmont, while lows near 30 should occur in the North Carolina
Piedmont.
Key Message 2: Warmer air returns for the remainder of this week
with mainly dry conditions as the next best chance for
widespread rainfall may not come until this weekend.
After high pressure heads offshore on Tuesday, an upper level
ridge will develop over the Appalachian Mountains for the
latter half of this week. This synoptic pattern yields a warming
trend with temperatures soaring back into the 70s and 80s for
Wednesday through Saturday. A weak low pressure system may
bring a chance of showers along and north of Route 460 with
perhaps an isolated thunderstorm across the Interstate 64
corridor on Wednesday afternoon. However, the lingering dry air
will not offer much opportunity for the moisture to spread
southward. Thus, the rest of this week will likely stay dry for
many locations, which will only prolong the drought. The next
best chance for any widespread rainfall may not come until this
weekend when a low pressure system approaches from the Plains.
The models indicate some possibility for ongoing rain chances
into early next week.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Clear skies and VFR flight conditions are across all terminals
this evening after a dry cold front has now pushed south of the
area. Winds will remain gusty around 15-25 knots for the next
couple of hours but will quickly reduce overnight to near calm
as high pressure centers overhead. Skies will remain clear,
causing temperatures to fall below freezing area-wide. For
Tuesday, winds shift back to the south as the front fizzles,
but remain much lighter than today, with gusts staying between
10-15 knots. No rain is expected, though some high clouds will
move in tomorrow afternoon. VFR will continue through the end of
the TAF period.
Confidence in the above forecast is high.
EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...
Tuesday night will be quiet, though some LLWS may impact
terminals west of the Blue Ridge. Beyond that, VFR conditions
are expected to continue through the rest of the week, outside
of a small chance of isolated showers/storms Wednesday afternoon
at all terminals but DAN, as a weak front brushes by to our
north. The best chance of impacts will be at LWB, with lowering
cigs and VSBY possibly bringing brief sub-VFR conditions.
Outside of this, quiet conditions persist until the next system
arrives late Friday into the weekend with likely sub-VFR cigs
and more widespread rainfall expected.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
A fire danger statement remains in effect for the rest of this
afternoon across northwest North Carolina and southwest
Virginia. Relative humidity values will fall towards 15 to 25
percent for most of the region. Northwest winds will gust
towards 15 to 25 mph with the potential for 30 mph gusts along
the ridgetops.
The rest of this week stays mainly dry with temperatures rising
above normal. The ongoing drought will only increase the risk
of wildfire potential. Relative humidity values could fall
below 30 percent each afternoon for most locations through
Friday. Winds should diminish somewhat on Tuesday, but they will
increase from the west by Wednesday with possible gusts of 15
to 25 mph before turning lighter by Thursday and Friday.
&&
.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday for
VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059.
NC...Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday
for NCZ001>006-018>020.
WV...Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday
for WVZ042>044-507-508.
&&
DISCUSSION...PW
AVIATION...JCB
FIRE WEATHER...PW
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 20, 12:00 PM EST, 12 hours before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
100 PM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-
WVZ042>044-507-508-211700-
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-
Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
100 PM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
...FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM EDT
TUESDAY...
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia,
southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West
Virginia.
.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.
Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.
Freeze Warning.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.
Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.
Freeze Warning.
No additional hazardous weather is anticipated beyond Tuesday.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
PW
Drought, Alleghany
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Alleghany forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.791, -80.000 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Alleghany county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Jackson River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Amherst
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Amherst forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.605, -79.145 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Amherst county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the James River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Appomattox
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Appomattox forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.372, -78.812 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Extreme Drought conditions expanded into Appomattox county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 10th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the James River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Bath
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Bath forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 38.059, -79.741 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Bath county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Cowpasture River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Bedford
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Bedford forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.315, -79.524 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued in Bedford county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the James River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Bland
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Bland forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.134, -81.130 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Bland county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Walker Creek, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Botetourt
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Botetourt forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.557, -79.812 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Botetourt county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the James River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Buckingham
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Buckingham forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.572, -78.529 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Extreme Drought conditions expanded into Buckingham county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the James River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Campbell
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Campbell forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.310, -79.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Extreme Drought conditions expanded into Campbell county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Roanoke River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Carroll
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Carroll forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.697, -80.829 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Carroll county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the New River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Charlotte
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Charlotte forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.012, -78.662 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued in Charlotte county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Roanoke River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Craig
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Craig forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.481, -80.212 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Craig county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 75 to 90 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Johns Creek, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Floyd
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Floyd forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.932, -80.362 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Floyd county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Little River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Franklin
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Franklin forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.992, -79.881 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued in Franklin county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Blackwater River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Giles
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Giles forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.314, -80.704 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Giles county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the New River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Grayson
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Grayson forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.657, -81.225 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Grayson county in early April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the New River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Halifax
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Halifax forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.767, -78.937 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Extreme Drought conditions expanded into Halifax county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 4.00-6.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Dan River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Henry
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Henry forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.689, -79.926 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued in Henry county in early April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Smith River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Montgomery
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Montgomery forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.174, -80.387 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Montgomery county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the New River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Patrick
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Patrick forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.678, -80.284 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued in Patrick county in early April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Mayo River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Pittsylvania
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Pittsylvania forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.704, -79.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Extreme Drought conditions expanded into Pittsylvania county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Dan River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Pulaski
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Pulaski forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.098, -80.645 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Pulaski county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the New River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Roanoke
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Roanoke forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.258, -80.016 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued in Roanoke county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Roanoke River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Rockbridge
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Rockbridge forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.774, -79.418 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions continued Rockbridge county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Maury River, which was observed to be below the 10th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Smyth
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Smyth forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.844, -81.537 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Smyth county in early April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Holston River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Tazewell
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Tazewell forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 37.125, -81.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Tazewell county in late April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the Clinch River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
Drought, Wythe
- When
- April 21, 12:00 AM EST to April 30, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Wythe forecast zone
- Reported by
- Drought Monitor
- Coordinates
- 36.917, -81.079 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Wythe county in mid April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the dry fall conditions leading up to below average rainfall during the winter months, contributed to a rapid decrease in groundwater and soil moisture in this region, where observed values for each had fallen to at or below the 5th percentile for groundwater, and 2nd percentile for soil moisture in the first 0-100 cm based off the NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated on the 21st of April. Streamflows similarly decreased across the area. This included the New River, which was observed to be below the 5th percentile per the USGS WaterWatch website and, in some cases, were near record-low flows.
- Drought
- A drought reaching severe (D2) or worse on the US Drought Monitor, or with notable impacts.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
- Wildfire in Nebraska, April 21 to 23, 2026$449,000 · 2 events
- Dust Storm and High Wind in Nevada, April 21 to 22, 2026$17,000 · 66 kt wind · 19 events
- Drought in Alabama, April 21 to 30, 202614 events
- Drought in North Carolina, April 21 to 30, 20269 events
- Drought in Kansas, April 21 to 30, 20266 events
- Hail in Wisconsin, April 21, 20261 in hail · 6 events
- Drought in West Virginia, April 21 to 30, 20265 events
- Drought in Texas, April 21 to 30, 20265 events
- Blizzard and High Wind in Alaska, April 21 to 23, 202663 kt wind · 5 events
- Drought in Kansas, April 21 to 30, 20264 events
- High Wind in Utah, April 21 to 22, 202661 kt wind · 4 events
- High Wind and Winter Weather in Nevada, April 21 to 22, 202654 kt wind · 3 events
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1334718, 1334731, 1334735, 1334738, 1334739, 1334740, 1334741, 1334742, 1334743, 1334744, 1334745, 1334746, 1334765, 1334774, 1334794, 1334795, 1334796, 1334797, 1334798, 1334799, 1334800, 1334801, 1334802, 1334803, 1334804, 1334805, 1334806.