Drought develops in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states

Source: On the Farm Radio, US Drought Monitor

Farmers in the eastern United States have had an unusual growing year in 2025. For many farmers, the spring planting season was dry, with drought declared in several areas in April, including significant portions of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Then things turned green and lush for much of the summer. It was described as an "ideal" growing season by many farmers. Virginia is expected to set a new yield record for corn this year, producing more corn per acre than ever before. Farmers in Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Mississippi are also expected to see excellent yields of corn this fall.

This fall, however, is developing as a dry season with official drought being declared in several states as of Tuesday, September 9. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, soil moisture and stream-flow have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.

Those states with areas in moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, include West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. States with areas in severe drought include Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. A small area of New Hampshire (Grafton County) is experiencing extreme drought.

Image credit - US Drought Monitor

Image credit - US Drought Monitor

Stream-flow is well below normal in much of New England and northern Appalachia. Image Source USGS