Drought Intensifies Across U.S., Triggers Burn Bans

Drought conditions are intensifying across the United States, with severe and expanding categories from Central Texas through the Midwest to Upstate New York and Michigan. Alabama now faces drought across nearly 95% of the state, prompting fire danger advisories, while Central Texas is experiencing a rapid 'flash drought' with a 3% week‑over‑week increase in the U.S. Drought Monitor's Severe (D2) category that has led to mandatory water restrictions and higher wildfire risk. Rochester has entered severe drought after recording just 3.81 inches of rain since July 1—the driest July–September stretch in 138 years—which helped prompt a statewide burn ban and forecasts for continued warm, mostly rain‑free conditions. Central New York has seen moderate drought expand across parts of Oswego, Cayuga and Jefferson counties and northwest Wayne County upgraded to severe, with drought warnings remaining in parts of the Southern Tier and Northern New York despite some late‑month rains. Across the Midwest, the Chicago area moved into moderate drought and central Illinois recorded one of its driest Septembers with falling stream and reservoir levels and growing concerns that moderate drought could worsen without significant rainfall; West Michigan is also seeing severe drought expansion with limited relief expected.