Drought Disaster 2012 Update
Linger Until November
The worst drought in the U.S. in decades may be leveling off in some areas. But the news is not giving farmers and ranchers much comfort, as they start to tally this year's losses.
The latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center calls for the drought to linger in parts of the nation until November.
The silver lining is conditions are not expected to get any worse.
In fact, conditions may even improve in several states. Some areas have seen rain and cooler temperatures in recent weeks. But one forecaster doesn't expect enough extra rain to end the drought.
"The impact in a lot of places has been done for this year, and any easing will just help things out a little next year," said Mike Brewer, a National Climatic Data Center scientist who put together the latest weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.