U.S. Drought Continues to Spread, Intensify

Drought 2012: Update July 19

Nearly two-thirds of Continental U.S. in drought condition

More than 42 percent of the lower 48 states were in SEVERE, EXTREME or EXCEPTIONAL Drought Conditions (D2-D4) as of July 17, 2012, a rise of over 5 percent since last week.

• As of July 17, 2012,  all of the Continental U.S. with the exception of Maine is experiencing Abnormally Dry or Drought Conditions (D0 -D4)  in full or in parts of the states, a situation which has since worsened due to lack of precipitation and a heat wave in the past two days.
• More than 81 percent of the Contiguous United States was Abnormally Dry or in Drought  Conditions (D0 – D4).

U.S. Drought Map for July 17, 2012, released July 19.

Comparison Maps for July 10 and July 17, 2012.

U.S. Drought Comparison Maps for July 3 and July 10, 2012.

U.S. Drought Comparison Maps for June 26 and July 3, 2012

Dryness and drought, exacerbated by above-normal temperatures, have been increasing both in extent and intensity across much of the central and northern U.S.  Source: NOAA/ NWS/ NCEP/ Climate Prediction Center

U.S. Weekly Precipitation Map

Latest Related Posts

• Another Heat Wave Grips America’s Heartland Posted July 18, 2012
• Drought Continues to Plague Two-Thirds of Continental U.S.  Posted July 17, 2012
• Drought and deluge