Drought conditions improve across Maryland after wet weather
Drought conditions in Maryland improved after several rounds of wet weather in May.
In early April, a drought warning was issued for most of the state due to below-average rainfall.
Is Maryland still in a drought?
While dry conditions have improved, some parts of Maryland are still in a drought.
As of May 29, about 71% of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, while about 49% of the state is seeing moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
In April, 82% of the state experienced severe to moderate drought conditions.
Conditions have improved drastically since November 2024, when 53% of the state was under a severe drought and 4% saw extreme drought conditions.
A small area of severe drought conditions remains anchored over central and northern Baltimore County.
Liberty Reservoir, which serves the Baltimore area, experienced a rise in water levels during mid-May after a 20-year low that prompted water restrictions earlier in the month.
Rainfall improves Maryland's drought
Several storm systems have drenched Maryland amid the ongoing drought conditions.
Since May 1, more than six inches have fallen across Baltimore County. Between 8 and 10 inches of rain have fallen in Frederick and Washington counties, while nine inches of rain was reported along the Baltimore and Harford County line.
More than a foot of rain soaked the higher elevations of Garrett County in far western Maryland, prompting flooding.
There are many other factors that also go into drought monitor updates, including soil moisture, water levels and vegetation stress.
It often takes a while for drought conditions to develop, and it can take even longer for those conditions to be completely erased.
The recent change in weather patterns and a significant amount of rain are helping to alleviate the dry conditions in Maryland heading into the summer.
The parade of storm systems is expected to continue through the end of May, with more rain expected on May 30 and May 31.
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Drought conditions improve across Maryland after wet weather
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