More than half of U.S. faces worst drought in decades
3 hours ago
- #drought
- #climate change
- #La Niña
- More than 60% of the U.S. is in drought, with over 20% in extreme drought, among the worst in decades due to intensity and coverage.
- Drought is caused by an atypical La Niña, which shifted storm tracks north, reducing precipitation in the southern U.S., worsened by climate warming increasing evapotranspiration.
- Most impacted areas include Colorado and the Southeast (Georgia, Florida), with widespread extreme drought; the Southeast and central Rocky Mountains have deep drought conditions.
- States from New Jersey to Arkansas are vulnerable during La Niña years due to reduced moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, while the Ohio Valley has remained drought-free.
- Relief in summer is difficult; possible from tropical systems but risky. The Rocky Mountains and Great Plains depend on winter snowpack, and summer rains often insufficient for deep drought.
- A historic El Niño event may occur next fall and winter, potentially reversing La Niña conditions, offering future relief.