The Driest States in the U.S. Revealed by NOAA Data
The Driest States in the U.S. Revealed by NOAA Data
US · Published Aug 6, 2026
According to NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals, the western and interior regions of the United States are home to the driest states in the country.
Nevada tops the list with an average annual precipitation of just 9.54 inches (242.3 mm), followed by Utah at 12.26 inches (311.4 mm) and Wyoming at 12.97 inches (329.4 mm).

Impact & Risks

The low precipitation levels in these states have significant implications for water availability, agriculture, and ecosystems. For instance, Nevada and Arizona rely heavily on external water sources like the Colorado River to meet their needs. In states like Wyoming and Idaho, mountain snowpack is crucial for water storage and distribution, as it feeds rivers and reservoirs during the spring and summer months. The variability in annual precipitation, as seen in states like New Mexico and South Dakota, can lead to challenges in water resource management, including risks of droughts and floods. Rising temperatures and changing climate patterns may exacerbate these issues by increasing evaporation rates and altering precipitation timing.

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