The Murphy Administration has lifted the statewide drought warning that had been in place since Fall 2024, citing improved rainfall and water conditions across New Jersey, according to an announcement released Wednesday by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Effective immediately, all drought regions in the state have been returned to normal status, with the exception of the Coastal South region, which will remain under drought watch as recovery efforts continue. The Coastal South region includes Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties; eastern portions of Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties; southeastern Burlington County; and southern Ocean County.
The statewide drought period began last summer and included several record-setting dry months, such as the driest October on record (October 2024), the third driest September (September 2025), and the third driest January (January 2025).
Since the drought warning was issued in November 2024, weather conditions have improved significantly. Over the past 90 days, most counties have received between 12 and 15 inches of rainfall, surpassing seasonal averages by 1 to 3 inches. Reservoir storage has also returned to normal levels. In northern New Jersey, streamflow and groundwater levels have stabilized.
However, the DEP noted that the Coastal South region has been slower to recover due to the area’s significant rainfall deficit—estimated at 7 to 10 inches below normal in 2024—and the region’s naturally porous aquifers, which require more sustained precipitation to recharge. As a result, the drought watch will remain in effect for that region, and residents and businesses are encouraged to continue practicing water conservation.
State officials said they will continue to monitor drought indicators—such as precipitation, stream flows, reservoir levels, groundwater conditions, and water demand—and may recommend additional regional or local restrictions if necessary.
More information about current drought conditions and water conservation resources can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought.