U.S. drought reaches record extent for this time of year, federal data shows
The Facts
- Drought in the contiguous United States has reached record levels for this time of year, according to weather data.
- More than 61% of the Lower 48 states is in moderate to exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- The U.S. Drought Monitor data cited in the reports show 97% of the Southeast and about two-thirds of the West are in moderate to exceptional drought.
- The share of the Lower 48 in moderate to exceptional drought is the highest for this time of year since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000.
- NOAA's Palmer Drought Severity Index reached its highest March level since records began in 1895.
- March was the third-driest month on record overall in NOAA's Palmer Drought Severity Index data, behind July and August 1934.
- Meteorologists said the drought is a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and western water issues.
Context
What makes this drought notable right now?
The reports say the contiguous U.S. has reached record drought levels for this time of year, and more than 61% of the Lower 48 is in moderate to exceptional drought — the highest share for this point in the calendar since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000 Aol,Philadelphia Inquir….
How left and right read it
Federal drought data point to a broad, potentially costly environmental strain: more than 61% of the Lower 48 is in moderate to exceptional drought, the highest share for this point in the year since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000. With March reaching NOAA’s highest Palmer Drought Severity Index for any March since 1895, meteorologists are warning about wildfire risk, western water stress and pressure on food prices.
The new drought figures suggest a serious test for basic economic and public-safety concerns, with more than 61% of the Lower 48 in moderate to exceptional drought and especially severe conditions across the Southeast and much of the West. NOAA says March was the third-driest on record overall, and meteorologists warn that could mean a tougher wildfire season, more strain on western water supplies and higher food prices.
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