Drought conditions stick around

This is a look at the Drought Outlook through September of this year.  The national drought forecast calls for the drought conditions to either persist or intensify, including northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Through June of 2012, approximately 54.6% of the US (lower 48 states) was covered by moderate or greater drought conditions.  This ranks 6th for the greatest percent of area covered since 1895.  The greatest percent of the US covered by moderate or greater drought conditions was 79.9% back in July of 1934.

The 54.6% in June was an increase of over 10% from May, which was 43.9%.  The last time we had a greater percentage of drought conditions covering the US was back in December of 1956, with close to 58%.  With the heat continuing across the country, and lack of rainfall, this percent could surely rise heading into August.

So far the 2012 drought is being compared to the drought of 1988, which ranked 10th for the greatest percent of area covered, back in June of that year, with 52.3%.  Looking at the costs that could be associated with this year's drought, the droughts of 1988 and 1980 rank 2nd ($78 billion) and 3rd ($56 billion), respectively, out of the most expensive weather disasters, with only Hurricane Katrina ahead of them.

Ryan Kinnison
WTVO Intern