Recent hot and dry conditions across the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi River Basin, and Southeast have driven expansion of severe to exceptional drought, while improvements occurred in the West and northern Plains. As of the September 24, 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor release (data valid September 22), D4 exceptional drought—defined as the 0–2nd percentile of dryness with historic impacts like widespread crop failure and water emergencies—covered 1.8% of the contiguous U.S., amid 49.6% total drought area (D1–D4). Above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation through summer 2026 sustained deficits, with the National Drought Mitigation Center noting ongoing expansion in southern regions. The next USDM update, expected early October for the week of September 29, will incorporate new precipitation data and the 6–10 day outlook favoring continued warmth over the southern U.S., potentially influencing D4 persistence or shifts in affected states.