Maps Shows States With 'Extreme Drought'
Summary
A recent U.S. Drought Monitor map shows large parts of the country facing severe to extreme drought conditions, especially in the West, Plains, South, and Southeast regions. The drought is linked to record warm temperatures in the last year, with expert forecasts predicting drought will continue or worsen in many areas through the summer.Key Facts
- The U.S. Drought Monitor uses five levels to rate drought severity, with “exceptional” (D4) as the worst.
- Parts of Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are facing “exceptional” drought.
- “Extreme” drought (D3) affects many states including Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- The last 12 months were the warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., with April being the third warmest on record.
- More than 40% of the lower 48 states suffer from severe to exceptional drought, with the Southeast at its largest extent of drought ever recorded.
- The Climate Prediction Center forecasts continued drought in northern and western areas, with possible improvement in the southern Four Corners region due to monsoons.
- Rainfall may improve conditions in parts of Texas, the Lower Mississippi Valley, Florida, the coastal Southeast, and the Northeast.
- The interior Southeast and south-central Plains will likely keep experiencing drought, while new drought conditions may develop in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
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