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NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)September 3, 2026Hillsborough

Colorado drought persists despite recent rainfall

Recent storms have provided minor relief, but 88.7% of Colorado remains in drought conditions, with 44.2% of the state experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. While some eastern and western areas saw improvement, central-south and southwest regions continue to face worsening water deficits.

droughtwater managementclimateColorado River
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)

Why It Matters

Approximately 4.6 million Colorado residents live in areas currently affected by drought, which has reduced the Colorado River system's storage to 36% of its total capacity.

Key Facts

  • 88.7% of Colorado is currently under some level of drought.
  • 44.2% of the state is classified as being in extreme or exceptional drought.
  • The first seven months of 2026 were the fifth driest period recorded since 1895.
  • The Colorado River system storage is currently at approximately 36% of its total capacity.
  • Approximately 4.6 million Colorado residents live in drought-affected areas.
  • Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the east and west of the Front Range.
  • Drought conditions have expanded in the central-south and southwest regions of the state.

Who's Mentioned

locationBlue Mesa Reservoir“The largest reservoir in Colorado, currently showing low storage levels.”locationColorado“The state experiencing drought conditions.”organizationOficina de Recuperación“The agency reporting on the Colorado River system storage levels.”