Flash Droughts Possible Amidst High Heat, No Rain

Record heat and low precipitation continue to expand the already dire drought footprint across the U.S. This past week, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that 62% of the country was covered by some form of drought, up 5 points from the prior week.

The Great Plains eastward to the Mississippi Valley and the Southeast are seeing above-normal temperatures. Many locations in the region were already experiencing a shortfall of precipitation, which means real potential for a flash drought. A flash drought happens with an onset of rapid drought conditions where there previously was no drought.

Read more on drought conditions and view your area’s drought potential here.