U.S. Drought Monitor Update
From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
“According to the July 9, 2013, U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate to exceptional drought covers 44.9% of the contiguous United States, an increase from last week’s 44.1%.The worst drought categories (extreme to exceptional drought) also increased slightly from 13.6% last week to 13.8%. Although monsoon showers brought scattered rainfall to parts of the West, a strong and persistent area of high pressure dominated the circulation over the western half of the contiguous United States, while a slow-moving upper-level trough generated widespread heavy rains across the Southeast. Continued dry weather intensified drought over the Southern Plains.”
Read more from the NOAA news release