Record Drought Grips Contiguous United States

The contiguous United States is experiencing record drought levels, with over 61% of the Lower 48 states in moderate to exceptional drought. This includes 97% of the Southeast and two-thirds of the West. The United States===National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Palmer Drought Severity Index hit its highest March level since 1895, and last month was the third-driest on record. Record heat has led to exceptionally low snow levels in the West, crucial for summer water storage. Experts like Brian Fuchs from the National Drought Mitigation Center, Park Williams from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Kathy Jacobs from the University of Arizona express concerns about an impending severe wildfire season, water shortages, particularly for those dependent on the Colorado River, and rising food prices. Jeff Masters of Yale Climate Connections warns of potential global food problems if the United States has a poor crop year, especially with a strong El Niño predicted to reduce yields in other regions like India. The drought is attributed to both natural variability and human-caused climate change.