Drought continues to loosen its grip on Puerto Rico: severe drought (D2) fell from 15.2% to 8.8% of the territory in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, with data valid November 10. ^[1][2] No part of the island is in extreme (D3) or exceptional (D4) drought, and it is the second consecutive week extreme drought has been absent. ^[3][4] The federal monitor's own Puerto Rico numbers put moderate drought (D1) at 25.8% of the territory and abnormally dry areas at 15.8%, for a total of 34.7% of the island in some stage of drought. ^[5][6][7] The outlook points the same direction: continued reduction through early 2027, with potential elimination in some areas as soon as January 2027. ^[8][9] The stakes are real for the island's farmers and water users: the Drought Monitor map is what the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses to trigger disaster declarations and loan eligibility. ^[10] And the recovery is recent memory - as of August 2026, water rationing was in force for parts of the San Juan metro area and the northeast. ^[11] The monitor publishes a new map every Thursday based on data through the preceding Tuesday. ^[12]