Drought conditions have been at record levels in the contiguous United States for much of July, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, which began monitoring drought conditions in 1999. The animated map below shows the spread of drought conditions since January 2012.
Abnormally dryShort-term dryness or lingering water deficits | |
Moderate droughtSome crop damage; imminent water shortages | |
Severe droughtCrop losses likely; water shortages common | |
Extreme droughtMajor crop losses; widespread water shortages | |
Exceptional droughtWidespread crop losses; water emergencies |
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
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