Abnormally dry conditions this spring across a wide swath of the country, with more than 60 percent of the continental U.S. in some stage of drought, are posing growing threats to agriculture and food prices, according to a new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Dr. Rachel Cleetus, Senior Policy Director, UCS Climate & Energy program
Cleetus emphasizes these major findings about the record drought from the U.S. Drought Monitor and NOAA’s Palmer Drought Severity Index:
- Nearly all (99 percent) of the Southeast is in drought, with nearly 62 percent in severe to exceptional drought.
- Drought conditions in Florida are especially dire with nearly 82 percent of the state in extreme or exceptional drought, taking a severe toll on groundwater supplies, vital for drinking water and farming.
- With so little precipitation in the central and southern High Plains, the drought is already posing risks to major agricultural crops as the spring planting season is already underway.
- In the western US, nearly 60 percent of Colorado and Utah are in extreme or exceptional drought, worsening a multi-decade challenge of managing water in the Colorado River basin.
- Snowpack is exceptionally low in the Sierra Nevada, a snow drought that is a major threat to future water supplies for millions of Californians.
Dive into Dr. Rachel Cleetus’ full analysis here!
About the Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future. For more information, go to www.ucs.org.
