NOAA Warns These States Face Highest Drought Risk This Summer
As much of the United States braces for another hot summer, federal drought forecasts show that states across the West and Southern Plains face the greatest risk of persistent water shortages, crop stress, and wildfire conditions. This drought can affect everything from grocery prices and cattle production, to wildlfire smoke and local water restrictions. Here's the monthly drought outlook for May.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center says drought is likely to “persist and expand” across much of the West because of low snowpack, early snowmelt, above-normal temperatures, and below-normal precipitation forecasts. These states will be hardest hit, and currently, more than 60 percent of the U.S. is experiencing some level of drought.
States With Highest Risk
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
Other states with concerning levels of drought include northern and central Virginia, where long-term rain deficits, low streamflows, and unusually dry soils have raised concerns about agriculture, wildfire risk, and water supplies heading into the hottest months of the year, according to Drought.gov.
Farmers in Virginia told Men’s Journal entire apple orchards are at risk for a total loss. Cattle farmers are warned to reduce the cattle sizes to preserve available food and water supplies.
Water Restrictions Persist
NOAA’s seasonal drought outlook shows persistent or expanding drought across much of the West, Southern Plains, and parts of the Southeast through the summer. Water managers in these regions are most likely to implement or tighten restrictions on lawn watering, irrigation, and non-essential water use like washing your car. Check your local area about specific water use restrictions.
States most likely to face water restrictions this summer, based only on NOAA, EPA, and official drought-monitoring agencies, include:
- Arizona
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Florida
- Virginia
With drought expected to persist across large parts of the country, federal officials are urging residents and local governments to prepare for a summer of heightened water conservation and increased wildfire risk.