NEW JERSEY — The Murphy administration has lifted the statewide drought warning issued last fall, citing improved rainfall patterns and water supply conditions, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced Wednesday.
All drought regions in the state have returned to normal status, except for the Coastal South region, which will remain under a drought watch as it continues to recover. The Coastal South includes all of Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties, along with portions of Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Burlington, and Ocean counties.
“It is a great relief to see that more typical rainfall patterns have returned to the state,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “I appreciate the cooperation we have had from the public and the help from all of our stakeholders—from water utilities to local governments and environmental advocates—who worked hard to spread the message of conservation over the past nine months.”
State Climatologist David Robinson noted that prolonged deficits stemming from the record-breaking dry fall and near-record dry winter began to reverse in early spring. May 2025 marked New Jersey’s fifth wettest May since records began in 1895, with precipitation totals across the state ranging from 12 to 15 inches over the past 90 days—approximately 1 to 3 inches above normal in many counties.
The drought warning had been in effect since November 2024, following a drought watch issued in October. That period included the driest fall on record in New Jersey, the driest month ever recorded in the state (October 2024), and the third driest January on record (January 2025).
Although conditions have normalized in most areas, the DEP said the Coastal South region’s aquifers, which are highly porous, require prolonged precipitation to fully recharge. The region experienced rainfall deficits of 7 to 10 inches last year, prompting the decision to maintain it under drought watch status.
“As drought conditions become more persistent due to climate change, water conservation must remain a priority,” LaTourette added. “Even though conditions have improved, we urge continued awareness and responsible water use.”
The DEP continues to monitor key drought indicators such as stream flow, groundwater, reservoir levels, and water demand. Local water utilities and municipalities may implement additional restrictions depending on localized supply conditions.
For drought updates, regional maps, FAQs, and water conservation tips, visit dep.nj.gov/drought.
