Much of the Northwest is dealing with dry conditions to start 2026. And as USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey explains, it’s not just the Northwest starting the New Year dry.
According to the Drought Monitor, Coos County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 17. Meanwhile Wheeler County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 24 and severe drought since July 15.
The start of August saw some of the driest conditions of the year across the Northwest, including the first report of an Exceptional Drought in the region.