Recent expansion of exceptional drought (D4) across the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi River Basin, and Southeast has driven trader focus on the U.S. Drought Monitor map for the week ending around September 29, 2026. As of the September 22 map, D4 covered 1.8% of the contiguous U.S. amid record-warm summer conditions and persistent precipitation deficits, with degradation noted in states like Texas and surrounding areas where soil moisture, streamflow, and well levels reached historic lows. The National Drought Mitigation Center, NOAA, and USDA compile the weekly assessment using station data, satellite observations, and impact reports. Key upcoming factors include the October 1 USDM release and short-term precipitation forecasts, which could shift categories if late-September rains materialize or if dry patterns persist into early October.