Topic: Environment
A severe drought has hit Puerto Rico in May 2026, affecting over 40% of the territory. The U.S. government declared a state of emergency and issued a drought disaster declaration. NASA scientists joined the U.S. Drought Monitor to help track the drought's spread.
Puerto Rico typically enters its wet season in May, but 2026 has been very different. By late August, rainfall had remained scarce across much of the territory, allowing drought conditions to spread rapidly.
The lack of rain has contributed to water shortages and rationing in some communities. Puerto Rico's governor declared a state of emergency in late July, and the U.S. government issued a drought disaster declaration covering over two dozen cities and towns.
NASA scientists David Mocko and Jonathan Case joined the U.S. Drought Monitor team to help track the drought's spread. They used satellite data, weather measurements, and observations of streamflow and well conditions to create weekly maps of the drought's severity.
By August 25, 2026, about three-quarters of Puerto Rico was experiencing at least moderate drought. Extreme drought zones (dark orange) in eastern and southwestern parts of the main island had expanded during the previous week and covered 44% of the territory.
Why It Matters
India is also vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events. Understanding how other countries respond to droughts can help us prepare for similar situations in India.
Key Facts
- A severe drought has affected over 40% of Puerto Rico's territory by August 2026.
- The U.S. government declared a state of emergency and issued a drought disaster declaration.
- NASA scientists joined the U.S. Drought Monitor to help track the drought's spread.
- By August 25, 2026, about three-quarters of Puerto Rico was experiencing at least moderate drought.
- Extreme drought zones covered 44% of the territory by August 25, 2026.
Key Terms
- Drought
- A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall that can lead to water shortages and crop failures
- U.S. Drought Monitor
- A collaboration between government agencies and NASA to track drought conditions across the United States
Implications
India is also vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events. Understanding how other countries respond to droughts can help us prepare for similar situations in India.
Leave a comment