**Exceptional drought (D4) conditions remain limited but persistent in a handful of states as of early September 2026, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing roughly 1.4% of the contiguous U.S. in D4 for the period centered on September 1.** Authoritative data from the National Drought Mitigation Center, NOAA, USDA, and NASA indicate D4 areas concentrated in portions of New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina, driven by long-term precipitation deficits, elevated temperatures, and flash drought intensification across the south-central U.S. Hot, dry weather from Texas through the Mississippi Valley and into the central Plains has expanded or intensified drought categories in recent weeks, while scattered heavy rainfall brought localized improvements elsewhere. The weekly USDM update, released Thursdays with data valid through the prior Tuesday, incorporates soil moisture, streamflow, and impact reports; the map for the week of September 8 will reflect conditions through approximately September 8 and is expected around September 10. Traders should monitor the next release and any short-term precipitation forecasts, as rapid changes in flash drought zones can shift D4 boundaries before resolution.