Extreme drought expands across 44% of Puerto Rico following dry wet season

The short version

• By late August 2026, extreme drought expanded to cover 44% of Puerto Rico, with about 75% of the island experiencing at least moderate drought conditions.
• A sharp rainfall deficit during the island's usual wet season led to record-low river flows, crop damage to coffee and fruit, and dwindling feed supplies for livestock.
• Municipalities implemented water rationing starting in early August following territorial emergency declarations in late July and U.S. federal disaster designations in late August.
• Officials and agricultural operators are monitoring whether upcoming seasonal weather will alleviate severe soil moisture deficits across affected regions.

Key facts

• Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 44% of Puerto Rico was in extreme drought and three-quarters of the island was in at least moderate drought by August 25, 2026.[ScienceDaily]
• Between mid-May and mid-July, most of the island received under 60% of normal precipitation, with southern and southwestern sections getting less than 20%.[ScienceDaily]
• The territorial governor declared a state of emergency in late July, followed by a U.S. federal drought disaster designation for more than two dozen municipalities in late August.[ScienceDaily]
• Water rationing measures were enacted in several municipalities beginning in early August.[ScienceDaily]
• The dry conditions caused agricultural damage to cacao, banana, coffee, and fruit crops, while lowering hay reserves for ranchers.[ScienceDaily]
• Streamflow dropped to historic lows in waterways such as the Rio Fajardo, compounded by one of the warmest recorded Julys in San Juan.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Extreme drought now covers 44% of Puerto RicoScienceDaily - Science