Nearly 80% of the Northwest is in a drought this summer, with more than half in a severe or extreme drought, according to a July analysis and September data from the U.S. Drought Monitor at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tina Kotek (D) has since July declared a drought emergency in Union and Baker counties, as well as Coos, Douglas, Lincoln, Morrow and Wheeler counties. In April, the Washington Department of Ecology issued a drought emergency for the Yakima Basin. By June 5, the department had issued a drought emergency for 19 watersheds covering much of the north and central parts of the state. About 13% of the Northwest today is currently in extreme or exceptional drought.