- ‘The Old Farmer’s Almanac’ says parts of the U.S. could be headed for a summer drought.
- These dry conditions may take a toll on lawns, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and summer harvests.
- The good news? Gardeners still have time to prepare before the hottest, driest weeks arrive.
Ree Drummond’s home state of Oklahoma is no stranger to scorching temperatures, dusty winds, and rain-starved landscapes. But according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this summer’s lack of rainfall may reach well beyond the Southern Plains, creating challenges for home gardeners and summer harvests across much of the country.
While some fruits and vegetables are tough enough to handle a little extra heat and a little less rain, others may need a bit more TLC this season. Here's what The Old Farmer’s Almanac is saying about its latest summer drought prediction—and what it could mean for your backyard garden.
Much like the publication’s broader summer 2026 forecast, drier-than-average conditions are expected in several regions. In some areas, those dry spells could intensify into full-fledged drought conditions, putting added strain on water supplies, lawns, and landscapes.
The forecast highlights the West Coast, the Northern U.S., Appalachia, Florida, and Hawaii as the regions most likely to experience drought conditions this summer. Residents in these areas may want to keep a close eye on rainfall totals and watering schedules in the months to come. Meanwhile, gardeners in these areas may want to consider heavy mulching, deep watering, and planting heat-tolerant varieties whenever possible.
Interestingly, some places that are often associated with hot, dry weather—including much of the Southwest, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas—are expected to escape the worst of the summer’s drought concerns. California and parts of Arizona, however, remain notable exceptions.
Extended periods without meaningful rainfall can stress plants, reduce harvest yields, and make it harder for lawns and flower beds to stay healthy through the hottest months of the year. From vegetable gardens to large-scale farm crops, nearly every outdoor growing space will feel the effects.
While nobody can make it rain, a little preparation now could go a long way toward keeping your garden happy and productive all season long.
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
