Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 — Extreme drought expanded across Puerto Rico during the summer of 2026, straining water supplies and damaging agricultural operations after rainfall dropped sharply during what is normally the territory’s wet season.
By Aug. 25, about three-quarters of Puerto Rico was experiencing at least moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought covered 44% of the territory, including areas in eastern and southwestern Puerto Rico. Three months earlier, no part of the territory was classified as being in drought.
Rainfall deficits developed rapidly after wetter-than-normal conditions during late winter and early spring. From mid-May through mid-July, most of Puerto Rico received less than 60% of normal precipitation, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. Southern and southwestern areas received less than 20% of normal rainfall, producing deficits of 3 to 6 inches.
High temperatures added to the dry conditions. San Juan recorded one of its warmest Julys on record, while streamflow dropped to record lows in some waterways, including the Rio Fajardo in northeastern Puerto Rico. Satellite soil-moisture estimates, weather measurements and observations of streams and wells were among the data used to assess the drought.
The water shortage prompted Puerto Rico’s governor to declare a state of emergency in late July. Water rationing was underway in several municipalities by early August. The federal government followed in late August with a drought disaster declaration covering more than two dozen cities and towns.
Agricultural losses were also developing. Dry soils affected fruit and cacao trees as well as banana and coffee plants, resulting in crop losses, according to drought reporting cited by NASA Earth Observatory. Ranchers faced shrinking hay reserves as dry conditions reduced available supplies.
For property and agricultural claims operations, the drought presents a different loss environment from a sudden hurricane or flood. Damage can accumulate over weeks as soil moisture falls, crops deteriorate and water supplies decline. The source does not quantify insured losses or identify specific insurance claims arising from the drought, so the eventual effect on carriers and adjusters remains unclear.
The U.S. Drought Monitor also has a direct role in government response. USDA uses its assessments in a fast-track process for disaster designations that can make emergency assistance available in affected areas. NASA scientists contributed satellite and ground-observation data to the weekly assessments, including information on soil moisture, streamflow and well conditions.
