Drought in Southern Coos, New Hampshire

January can be summarized by a frozen cap effect as well below normal temperatures and significant frost depths prevented any meaningful sub-surface water recharge. In addition, precipitation remained below normal for the entire region for the month. This led to a lower than normal snowpack for all areas except the north slopes of the White Mountains for the month. Overall, conditions in January didn't improve the drought and drought remained in a steady state at the end of the month.

At the start of 2026, drought conditions were widespread across Central and Northern New Hampshire. Drought conditions as Percent Area of the state: D3 - 0%, D2 - 41%, D1 - 36%. January brought little relief to New Hampshire's drought conditions in these areas, as winter set in and frozen ground effectively halted any potential for significant groundwater recharge. January precipitation remained below to well below normal with most areas around 75% of normal range. Snowfall remained below normal outside of the White Mountains, snow water equivalent remained below normal for all areas except the immediate coast. Streamflow and ground water remained well below normal on all basins. Dry well reports in January began to slacken off compared to previous months.