Maryland is under a ‘drought disaster.’ What that means for you – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Maryland, April 17 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a drought disaster designation for nine counties last month, providing farmers access to emergency loans amid ongoing dry spells.[1][2] Rainfall has lagged below average levels for three years in parts of the state, pushing soil moisture and groundwater to concerning lows. While drinking water remains sufficient, officials urge conservation to guard against worsening conditions.
Drought’s Reach Across the State
Severe drought covered about 46 percent of Maryland as of late April, with another 45 percent in moderate drought and the rest abnormally dry.[1] These conditions stem from a continuation of fall dryness, made worse by warm spring weather that increased plant water use. Precipitation in the Baltimore area totaled just 35.97 inches in 2025, well short of the historic 45-inch average.
Climatologist Samantha Borisoff of the Northeast Regional Climate Center noted the confusion around such labels. “There are a lot of nuances when it comes to drought,” she said, explaining how agriculture and environmental agencies apply different thresholds.[1] The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies severe drought as likely to cause crop losses and potential water restrictions.
Federal Assistance Targets Farmers
The disaster declaration covers Allegany, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Washington counties as primary areas.[3] These locations endured severe drought for eight or more consecutive weeks during the growing season, or worse in some cases. Contiguous counties, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert and St. Mary’s in Maryland, along with areas in neighboring states, also qualify for aid.
Farmers can apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency to replace equipment, restock livestock or refinance debts.[2] Applications are due by December 10. Rachel Felver, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Agriculture, warned that severe drought threatens all crops, from corn and hay to grapes and fruit trees, with risks of pasture losses and fish kills from low water flows.[1]
Designated Primary Counties:
- Allegany
- Carroll
- Charles
- Frederick
- Garrett
- Howard
- Montgomery
- Prince George’s
- Washington
Water Supplies Hold, But Caution Prevails
Public drinking water systems report adequate reserves, including Baltimore’s reservoirs that serve 1.8 million people.[1] The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a drought warning for much of the state and monitors conditions biweekly. Greg Busch, manager of the department’s Water Supply Program, stated that voluntary conservation requests could emerge if dry weather persists through summer.
Mandatory restrictions remain rare at the state level. Still, central and western counties face the greatest pressure from low groundwater. Officials recommend simple steps like shorter showers and efficient irrigation to ease demand.
Path to Recovery Lies in Rain
Streams may rebound faster than groundwater or soil, but experts say multiple heavy rains are needed to reverse deficits. Meteorologist Andrew Snyder of the National Weather Service’s Baltimore-Washington office observed that the region has trended drier for three years. Summer patterns might bring more precipitation, though full recovery could take time.[1]
Conditions could intensify to extreme drought on the Eastern Shore and in southern areas, particularly Calvert County. For updates, check the National Integrated Drought Information System.[1] As spring planting advances, the focus stays on resilience for farms and steady habits for households.
