The latest U.S. Drought Monitor has reached a milestone in its history. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says prior to this year, there was only one other long stretch where we saw greater than half the country covered by drought.
“We have now amassed 71 consecutive weeks with greater than 40% drought coverage in the lower 48 states - a streak that’s started in September of 2020 and continues into the present. That does break the 21st drought coverage record of greater than 40% of 68 weeks that was set in June of 2012 to October 2013.”
As of February 1st, 55% of the Continental U.S. was immersed in drought.
Related:
Current drought conditions may lead to new records
Drought cuts into global wheat production