US weather: Shock map shows EXTREME DROUGHT hit USA – 74.5 MILLION people affected
THE US is experiencing an extreme drought affecting almost 75 million people as temperatures range between 90F (32.2C) to sweltering 114F (45C), with record-dry conditions increasing the danger of fires.
By ALICE SCARSI
Express.co.uk
Mon, Aug 6, 2018
More than a third of the United States is suffering a crippling shortage of water supply, according to the country’s drought monitoring body, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
In a worrying report concerning the drought status in the US, NIDIS warned that up to the end of July 74.5 million people in 34 percent of were dealing with moderate to exceptional draught conditions.
But in July, monthly precipitation recorded were below 50 percent the normal rate, according to the Northwest River Forecast Center.
The agency’s last report, date June 28, showed that two months ago only 6 million people were affected by water shortages.
States located on the western and southern area of the union are the most affected, as there temperatures are reaching record-highs.
Phoenix, in Arizona, is experiencing temperatures as high as 114F (45C), while people in neighbouring Las Vegas, in Nevada, are seeing their temperatures hitting 109F (42.7C).
In its report, the agency warned that the dry weather is raising the possibility to spark more fire.
The report depicted a catastrophic situation, which thousands of acres being engulfed by flames, saying: “In Idaho there are nine large, unconfined wildfire incidents currently burning over 173,000 acres including the Grassy Ridge fire (103,935 acres, 88 percent contained).
“In Oregon there are 14 large, unconfined wildfire incidents currently burning over 116,500 acres including Taylor Creek fire (25,000 acres, 20 percent contained).
“In Washington there are six large, uncontained wildfire incidents currently burning over 15,500 acres including the Lake Wallula fire (10,500 acres, 55 percent contained).
“Approximately 10,140 firefighters and support personnel are deployed in these regions, taxing resources and personnel in the area.”
As a consequence of these blazes, “all three states are reporting negative impacts to forests, crops and rangelands, reduced air quality, and multiple evacuations.”
These areas are likely to continue burning, as weather experts forecasted more dry temperatures with thermometers ranging from 80F (26.6C) to 101F (38.3C) this week.
The Rest…HERE
