• Extreme drought has developed from Phoenix to southeastern California.
• Dry weather is worsening conditions in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
• A winter storm may bring relief to parts of the Four Corners region.
• Fire risk remains high in southern New Mexico and Texas.

March 7, 2025 — The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released on March 6, 2025, shows worsening drought conditions across the Colorado River Basin. While parts of the northern basin have seen snowpack improvements, the southern regions, particularly Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, are experiencing severe drought expansion due to ongoing dry conditions and declining water reserves.

Drought Worsens in the Southwest.

Persistent dry weather and warmer-than-average temperatures have intensified drought conditions in Arizona and southeastern California. “Drought conditions are especially bad from Phoenix westward to far southeast California, where exceptional drought developed this week,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Soil moisture levels, streamflow, and groundwater reserves continue to decline, exacerbating the crisis in these regions.

Snowpack Provides Some Relief in the North.

Despite the worsening situation in the south, snowpack improvements in northeast Nevada, Idaho, and southwestern Montana have slightly eased drought concerns in those areas. Higher elevations in California also received some precipitation, helping alleviate water shortages in select regions.

Incoming Storm Offers Limited Relief.

The National Weather Service forecasts that a broad low-pressure system will bring lower-elevation rain and mountain snow across the Southwest through Friday, reaching the Four Corners region by Friday night. “Heaviest snowfall of 1 to 2 feet can be expected along the Mogollon Rim and the San Juan Mountains in the Rockies, as well as across the higher terrain of the central Rockies and along the Wasatch of Utah,” the report states. While this storm will provide some short-term relief, long-term water deficits remain a concern.

Fire Risk Remains High.

With dry conditions persisting, fire danger remains a growing threat, particularly in southern New Mexico. Strong winds combined with low humidity will contribute to “critical fire weather conditions which will primarily encompass much of eastern and southern New Mexico and out into western Texas,” according to the National Weather Service. Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant as wildfire risks continue to increase.

While upcoming precipitation may offer some short-term improvements, the broader drought situation in the Colorado River Basin remains concerning. Officials continue to monitor conditions as water shortages persist across much of the region.

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Map from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

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