Parts of the Rockies Face Severe Drought Conditions

Colorado Springs sees normal precipitation, but other areas struggle with below-average rainfall.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:18am

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A vast, majestic landscape painting depicting a snow-capped mountain range shrouded in heavy fog and mist, conveying the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world and the fragility of human presence within it.The dramatic, atmospheric landscape of the Colorado Rockies conceals the worsening drought conditions that threaten the region's water resources and natural ecosystems.Pueblo Today

Drought conditions continue to worsen across Colorado, with 100% of the state now under some level of drought. While Colorado Springs has seen a boost in precipitation, other areas like Pueblo and Leadville are well below their normal rainfall amounts for this time of year, with Leadville needing over 2 inches to catch up to its April average.

Why it matters

The ongoing drought in Colorado's mountains and southern regions is concerning, as it can lead to water shortages, increased wildfire risk, and impacts on agriculture and outdoor recreation. Understanding the regional variations in precipitation levels is crucial for communities to prepare and respond effectively.

The details

In Colorado Springs, a single winter storm brought 9.4 inches of snowfall, helping the city stay at its normal yearly precipitation amount. However, places like Pueblo are now 0.17 inches below their average, while Leadville is an alarming 2.08 inches behind its typical April rainfall. The Climate Prediction Center's outlook shows dry conditions continuing through the rest of the month, further exacerbating the drought.

  • As of April 2026, 100% of Colorado is under some level of drought.
  • In April 2026, Colorado Springs received a large snowstorm that boosted its precipitation levels.
  • In April 2026, Pueblo is 0.17 inches below its normal precipitation for the year.
  • In April 2026, Leadville is 2.08 inches behind its typical April rainfall amount.

The players

Lauren Brand

A meteorologist who provided the analysis and explanation for the drought conditions in Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“It's no secret that drought conditions continue to worsen for Colorado, especially in the mountains. 100% of the state is now under some kind of drought. 21% of the state is experiencing exceptional conditions, which is the worst kind of conditions that we can see for drought.”

— Lauren Brand, Meteorologist

What’s next

The forecast shows dry conditions continuing through the rest of April, which could further exacerbate the drought situation in Colorado. Communities will need to closely monitor water usage and consider conservation measures to prepare for the potential impacts.

The takeaway

The severe drought conditions across Colorado, particularly in the mountains and southern regions, highlight the need for proactive water management and preparedness. While some areas like Colorado Springs have seen a temporary boost in precipitation, the overall trend is concerning and requires vigilance from local authorities and residents to mitigate the long-term effects.