Drought conditions intensify in Lower Mississippi Valley, ease elsewhere in U.S.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update reveals 73.2% of the nation is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, with 50.7% at D1 level or higher. While some regions saw improvement, conditions worsened significantly in the Lower Mississippi Valley and western Ohio River Valley. Extreme drought (D3) expanded in northern Arkansas, and exceptional drought (D4) developed or grew in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, impacting agriculture and water resources.