Cleveland, OH – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday shows that severe to extreme drought conditions continue across northwest Ohio, with very little improvement despite recent light precipitation. The National Weather Service Cleveland office shared the updated map, highlighting persistent dryness across the region.
According to the Nov. 18 update, areas of northwest Ohio remain classified under D2 (Severe Drought) and D3 (Extreme Drought), marking some of the driest conditions in the state heading into late November. Counties near the Michigan border and those west of Toledo show the deepest drought levels, with prolonged precipitation deficits contributing to the ongoing stress on soil moisture, agriculture, and water supply.
Surrounding portions of northern and central Ohio remain under D0 (Abnormally Dry) or D1 (Moderate Drought), indicating continued widespread dryness even outside the most affected zones. The map also shows pockets of D0–D1 dryness extending eastward toward the Cleveland metro area and across several interior counties.
Forecasters note that the upcoming week offers limited prospects for widespread relief, with precipitation chances remaining low and temperatures expected to fluctuate around seasonal norms. Without a meaningful shift toward wetter weather, drought classifications could hold steady or worsen heading toward December.
State and local officials continue encouraging residents to use water wisely while monitoring agricultural impacts as winter approaches.
