Drought Persists Across Much Of The U.S.

Drought conditions expanded again this week, with more than 100 million people now living in areas experiencing drought.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor:

• 49.51% of the U.S. is experiencing drought conditions

• 59.05% of the Lower 48 is experiencing drought

• Drought coverage increased 4.1% from last week

• Drought coverage has jumped 23.6% in just one month

• 103.2 Million people in the U.S are affected by drought this week

Where Drought Is Getting Worse

Some of the biggest deteriorations recently have occurred across the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi River region.

Conditions have also continued to worsen across North Dakota, the Upper Midwest and Puerto Rico, while a few areas elsewhere saw scattered improvements.

Overall, 43 states are currently experiencing Moderate Drought or worse, unchanged from last week.

Why Drought Matters

Drought can have impacts well beyond a lack of rain. As conditions persist or intensify, communities can experience impacts to water supplies, agriculture and vegetation, while dry vegetation can also contribute to increased wildfire concerns.

And drought doesn't disappear after one rainy day. Meaningful improvement often requires repeated or prolonged precipitation, especially in areas where dry conditions have been building for weeks or months.