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Drought conditions improve across Maryland after wet weather

By
Cutter Martin
Cutter Martin
Meteorologist
Cutter joined the WJZ First Alert Weather Team in March of 2025. Born and raised in the Gulf Coast, Cutter developed his love for weather while tracking hurricanes and watching pop-up summer thunderstorms in Houston. His first on-air role was in Lubbock, Texas, while attending Texas Tech University.
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Cutter Martin

/ CBS Baltimore

Drought conditions in Maryland have improved after several rounds of wet weather in May. 

In early April, a drought warning was issued for most of the state due to below-average rainfall. 

Is Maryland still in a drought? 

While dry conditions have improved, some parts of Maryland are still in a drought.

As of May 29, about 71% of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, while about 49% of the state is seeing moderate to severe drought conditions,

In April, 82% of the state experienced severe to moderate drought conditions.

Conditions have improved drastically since November 2024, when 53% of the state was under a severe drought and 4% saw extreme drought conditions. 

marylanddrought.jpg
Maryland drought conditions as of May 29, 2025 U.S. Drought Monitor

A small area of severe drought conditions remains anchored over central and northern Baltimore County. 

Liberty Reservoir, which serves the Baltimore area, experienced a during mid-May after a 20-year low that prompted water restrictions earlier in the month.

Rainfall improves Maryland's drought 

have drenched Maryland amid the ongoing drought conditions. 

Since May 1, more than six inches of rain have fallen across Baltimore County. Between 8 and 10 inches of rain have fallen in Frederick and Washington counties, while nine inches of rain was reported along the Baltimore and Harford County line. 

More than a foot of rain soaked the higher elevations of Garrett County in far western Maryland, prompting flooding.

There are many other factors that go into drought monitor updates, including soil moisture, water levels and vegetation stress.

It often takes a while for drought conditions to develop, and it can take even longer for those conditions to be completely erased. 

The recent change in weather patterns and a significant amount of rain are helping to alleviate the dry conditions in Maryland heading into the summer. 

The parade of storm systems is expected to continue through the end of May, with more rain expected on May 30 and May 31. 

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