Drought emergency declared in Oregon counties, 17 of 36 now affected
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency for Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake and Malheur counties in Oregon. This declaration brings the total number of Oregon counties under drought emergency status to 17 out of 36.
The declaration, issued through Executive Order 26-09, directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance for the affected areas. This marks the fourth drought declaration in Oregon during 2026.
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 drought declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities. These tools include assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of May 19th, Douglas County was entirely in drought conditions ranging from moderate to extreme. 85% of the county was experiencing severe to extreme drought, with 11% in extreme drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values for the current water year also show moderate to severe drought conditions, with some areas at extreme levels.
Harney County was 82% in moderate to severe drought, with 6% classified as severe drought, as of May 19th, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Lake County showed 88% in moderate to severe drought, including 5% in severe drought. Both counties have seen conditions worsen over the past 60 days, with SPEI values increasingly reflecting extreme drought in much of Lake County and some extreme drought levels in Harney County.
Malheur County was 63% in moderate to severe drought, including 40% classified as severe drought, as of May 19th. Conditions have worsened over the past 30 days, with SPEI values reflecting severe to extreme drought across much of the county. Gilliam County had 40% of its area experiencing moderate to severe drought, with 6% classified as severe drought. SPEI values indicate abnormally dry to moderate drought in the southern half of Gilliam County, with the rest near normal, though much of the county has been drier than normal over the past 60 days.
Previous drought declarations in 2026 include Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla counties in March. This was followed by declarations for Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties in April and for Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler counties in May. Seasonal climate and drought outlooks indicate that drought conditions in the newly declared counties are likely to persist.
The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely. State and local officials will coordinate with federal and Tribal partners. Conditions will be closely monitored by state natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
