Recent expansion of exceptional drought (D4) conditions in the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi River Basin, and Southeast—driven by persistent precipitation deficits and above-normal summer temperatures—contrasts with improvements across the West and northern Plains. As of the September 22, 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor data, D4 covers 1.8% of the contiguous U.S., with 49.6% in any drought category overall. The next weekly map, with data valid around September 29, will incorporate the latest precipitation, soil moisture, and streamflow observations from NOAA and USGS networks. Any significant rainfall in affected regions before the cutoff could reduce D4 extent, while continued dry patterns would sustain or expand it in key states.