Josephine and Wasco counties face severe drought conditions

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in Josephine and Wasco counties through Executive Order 26-11. This declaration marks the fifth drought emergency order issued in 2026, bringing the total number of Oregon counties under drought emergency status to 19 of 36.

Josephine and Wasco counties are experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Seasonal climate and drought outlooks indicate that these drought conditions are likely to persist in the counties. The emergency declaration unlocks specific tools for affected communities, including assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.

As of June 9, all of Josephine County is in some form of drought. 46% of Josephine County is experiencing severe drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values for the water year thus far correspond with moderate to severe drought for much of Josephine County.

54% of Wasco County is in moderate to severe drought, with 23% of the county in severe drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values over the water year correspond with moderate drought conditions in the southern parts of Wasco County and are near normal or wetter than normal for the rest of the county. Over the past 45 and 60 days, SPEI values correspond with abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions for much of the county.

The drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon's farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies and increase wildfire risk.

The declaration for Josephine and Wasco counties is the fifth drought declaration order issued in Oregon in 2026. In March, Gov. Kotek declared drought in Baker, Deschutes and Umatilla counties. This was followed by a declaration in April for Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow and Wallowa counties. A declaration in May covered Coos, Klamath and Wheeler counties and a declaration on June 10 included Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake and Malheur counties.

Conditions in the affected counties will continue to be closely monitored by the state's natural resource and public safety agencies.