Heavy rains hit Baltimore last month, but they weren’t enough to end the region’s ongoing drought. Meteorologists confirm that even after a rainy Artscape celebration, the drought continues.
Experts are predicting a below-average hurricane season this year, yet the drought isn’t expected to ease anytime soon. Brian LaSorsa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, points out that rainfall amounts remain low. Southern Maryland recorded about 1 to 3 inches, while Central and Northern regions saw up to 6 inches. Though this helped slightly, the drought still looms large. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the chances of severe drought dropped from over 95% to about 52% after the rains.
However, parts of Southern Maryland remain in severe drought, while others are experiencing moderate drought conditions. LaSorsa believes without significant rain, the situation will worsen.
Looking ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts near-normal rainfall for early June, with a chance for above-normal precipitation later in the month. However, persistent drought conditions are expected to linger.
Greg Busch, Maryland’s water supply program manager, noted that the state is nearing its fourth consecutive year of drought. Maryland typically receives around 4 inches of rain each month, but between August 2025 and April, it averaged only about 3 inches. While May’s rains were beneficial, they didn’t solve the problem.
“Continued rainfall is crucial,” Busch emphasized. Historical patterns show that Maryland has faced severe droughts in years like 2002, 1999, and earlier in the 1960s and 1930s. During those times, state officials imposed mandatory water restrictions, though this time, only voluntary measures have been suggested.
Local officials in Baltimore have encouraged residents to limit water use voluntarily. At the Prettyboy Reservoir, water levels are already 6 feet below normal. Last year, similar measures were taken when Liberty Reservoir reached its lowest point in nearly 20 years.
The Maryland Department of the Environment continues to monitor water usage. Though there are no statewide restrictions yet, Busch advises residents to conserve water by watering their lawns early or late in the day and fixing leaky fixtures.
Busch concludes, “We need to be smart about our water usage.” Streams and groundwater levels remain lower than normal. Maintaining awareness and smart habits will be key in weathering this ongoing drought.
For more detailed information about Maryland’s drought status, check out the U.S. Drought Monitor’s official website here.
