Over half of Oregon’s counties are now under drought emergency declarations as state officials warn of increased stress on the state’s environment and agricultural industry due to water shortages.
On Wednesday, Gov. Tina Kotek added Wasco and Josephine counties to the state’s drought emergency list, which now includes 19 of the state’s 36 counties.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 46% of Josephine County and 23% of Wasco County are experiencing severe drought conditions. The agency says the severe drought categorization indicates that crop or pasture loss is likely, fire risk is very high, water shortages are common and water restrictions are imposed in that area.
Kotek’s drought declaration unlocks emergency state resources for those counties, such as temporary water-rights transfers and emergency water-use permits.
Oregon’s widespread drought conditions are the result of unusually warm temperatures last winter and unusually low levels of l rain and snow over an extended period, according to Jason Cox, Oregon Water Resources Department spokesperson. The state had one of its warmest winters on record and a historically low snowpack, both of which have depleted Oregon’s water supply.
Additionally, the snowpack is melting weeks earlier than usual, further compounding the drought. Early snow loss reduces streamflows and water supplies later in the summer, when the state needs it most, experts said.
State officials said these drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation, drinking water and fish and wildlife habitats heading into the summer.
The extreme dryness will also increase wildfire risk. State officials have already warned that drought conditions will make the upcoming fire season lengthy and difficult.
“When vegetation dries out, it is more likely to ignite, and fire is more likely to spread quickly. In years like 2026, when vegetation dries out earlier than we’d expect, fuels are drier for longer, including during the warmest time of year,” Cox, the state Water Resources Department spokesperson, said after a June 9 drought declaration. “Whether it’s human-caused or lightning, a spark in a drier environment poses an elevated risk.”
As Oregon is officially in wildfire season, Gov. Tina Kotek also declared a state of emergency on June 16, citing concerns about increased wildfire threats due to drought conditions. The Oregon wildfire season is expected to last through October.
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