Recent U.S. Drought Monitor data valid September 1, 2026, show exceptional (D4) drought covering 1.4% of the contiguous United States amid broader coverage of 49.5% in moderate or worse conditions. Flash drought intensification in the South-Central states, combined with persistent dryness and above-normal temperatures along the North Dakota–South Dakota–Minnesota border and parts of the Northeast, has expanded D3–D4 areas in recent weeks, while scattered improvements occurred in Colorado and Wyoming. The National Drought Mitigation Center’s weekly assessment incorporates precipitation deficits, soil moisture percentiles, and streamflow observations against seasonal baselines. The next map, covering the week of September 8, will be released September 10 and incorporate any early-month rainfall; short-term forecasts favor continued dry conditions across the central and southern Plains with limited relief signals through mid-September.