Thursday, November 30, 2023

The latest USDA Drought Monitor map released cearly this norning shows a small decline in drought areas from last week, but 55.8% of the nation remains in a drought category, down by nearly a half of one percent. The High Plains saw an increase from last week with over 43% of this region too dry compsred to 40.7% last week. The South Central region had a snall decline by 3.5%, but over 72% of this region is in a drought category. The Southeast also had a decrease in drought area, by almost 6% to 70.4% in a dry zone. The Midwest continues to have a good portion of the region in drought with 74.3% this week, up by almost one percent from last week. In key Midwest states, most of Iowa and Indiana are in a drought category at roughly 99% and 97% respectively. Illinois is better off, but over 77% of this state is too dry, up by nearly 4% from last week. Upcoming rainfall should help, but only bring small improvements to some of these regions.