Every US state except Alaska and Kentucky is facing drought, an unprecedented number, according to the US Drought Monitor. A little more than 45% of the US and Puerto Rico is in drought this week, according to the tracker. About 54% of land in the 48 contiguous US states is affected by droughts. … California, which relies heavily on the agricultural industry to support its economy, lost $1.7bn in crop revenue in 2022 due to the ongoing drought. Dry conditions can also result in low water levels on rivers and other waterways. Ports and other water-borne transportation may become limited due to a reduction in available routes and cargo-carrying capacity, which increases transportation costs.

Other weather related articles:

• San Francisco Chronicle: ‘Extremely critical’ fire weather warning issued in parts of California. Here’s where risk is high
• The Washington Post: California bracing for high fire threat and power cuts to prevent sparks
• Arizona Daily Star: Another record-hot month socked Tucson