HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has released the Summer 2025 Montana Drought Outlook Report. The report provides a synopsis of recent statewide precipitation and temperature trends, snowpack information, an outlook on summer water supplies, and an update on current and forecasted drought conditions.
According to the report, many regions in Montana are entering the fifth consecutive summer with abnormally dry or drought conditions. Exceptionally dry and hot conditions last fall greatly depleted soil moisture, leaving many areas with a significant moisture deficit entering the spring and summer months.
According to the report, 59 percent of the state is classified in moderate to extreme drought, with another 15 percent showing abnormally dry conditions.
“Unfortunately, June has been much drier than average for most of the state, and the consequences of a hot and dry July could be severe in some areas,” said Michael Downey, DNRC’s drought program coordinator.
The report highlights that some basins did receive higher than average snowpack and some areas are currently drought free. However, with high temperatures and low precipitation dominating the extended weather forecast even with average rainfall in the next month, streamflow and surface water levels will likely decrease below average statewide.
“Large areas of Montana remain in some level of ongoing drought. This year’s outlook looks similar to last years” explains Downey.
The Montana Drought Outlook Report is an annual report compiled by water planning staff at the DNRC. The 2025 report is available online at: Montana Drought Outlook Report Summer 2025
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MT DNRC – 2025
