As 2024 unfolds, it is rapidly becoming the hottest year on record—and the correlation between rising temperatures and the frequency and severity of severe weather events, including droughts, is well-documented. As temperatures go up, evaporation increases, leading to reduced soil moisture and lower water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This impacts agriculture, stresses the water supply for industrial and residential use, and creates a perfect storm for wildfires.
Despite today’s relatively mild drought conditions nationally, certain areas are still grappling with extremely dry conditions. Researchers calculated the average Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) between January 1, 2024 and July 25, 2024, then ranked counties accordingly.
These are the key takeaways from the report:
How Many Americans Are Experiencing Drought Conditions Currently?
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Source: Captain Experiences analysis of U.S. Drought Monitor data
- In the first half of 2024, an average of 25.5% of the U.S. population, equating to over 85 million Americans, experienced abnormally dry conditions or worse in any given week. Of these, about 11.4 million (3.4%) faced severe drought or worse.
- Economically, droughts affect several industries reliant on a steady water supply. The impacts are perhaps most pronounced in the agricultural sector, with crops failing and livestock suffering due to lack of water and food to graze on. This not only affects farmers’ livelihoods, but also leads to higher food prices for consumers.
- Socially, droughts can lead to water rationing and restrictions, affecting daily life and increasing tensions in communities. Recreational activities like fishing, boating, and hiking are also impacted when lake levels recede, rivers run dry, or public land closes.
- In extreme cases, prolonged droughts can result in population displacement as people are forced to move to areas with more reliable water sources.
Here is a complete data breakout for Oklahoma County, OK:
U.S. Drought Conditions by Location
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Source: Captain Experiences analysis of U.S. Drought Monitor data
Here is a link to the complete results of the analysis, with data on over 600 U.S. counties and all 50 states.
Original report Located Here: https://captainexperiences.com/blog/states-experiencing-the-worst-droughts-this-year
