Flash Drought: An Unseen Crisis in the US

A severe flash drought is affecting nearly half of the United States, leading to widespread fires and complicating shipping on the Mississippi River. This October marked one of the driest on record, driven by climate change and unusual weather patterns, affecting both urban and rural areas significantly.

An alarming flash drought has gripped nearly 50% of the United States, exacerbating wildfires in the Midwest and stalling shipping activities along the Mississippi River.

With more than 100 weather stations across 26 states, including those in major cities like New York, Houston, and San Francisco, reporting their driest October on record, the drought's grip is tightening. This unexpected dry spell coincides with unusually warm temperatures, attributed to climate change and atmospheric phenomena, scientists say.

Experts warn that persistent high-pressure systems have kept moisture away from many parts of the country, while an altered jet stream due to Arctic warming is making such patterns more common. Relief storms are anticipated for the Midwest, but the East and Southeast remain dry threats for another week.

(With inputs from agencies.)