Drought
Coverage of Drought in the Nexus archive.
- Drought, heat worsen wildfires surging across West, Forest Service chief says
Drought and heat are worsening wildfires in the West, according to the Forest Service chief. The issue was discussed during testimony to a Congress subcommittee, which included debate over restructuring Forest Service offices.
- Monsoon storms could help, but won't erase, ongoing rainfall debts for gardeners
Monsoon storms in southern Colorado are providing some relief to gardeners after a dry summer but are insufficient to eliminate a significant rainfall deficit. Experts attribute plant struggles to non-native species and emphasize the need for winter snowfall to replenish soil moisture, as monsoon rains often evaporate before penetrating dry soil.
- Heavy rain causes flooding, road closures in Iredell County while offering drought relief
Heavy rainfall in Iredell County caused flooding and road closures, but provided significant relief to North Carolina's long-term drought, though experts note more precipitation is needed to fully reverse the deficit.
- Europe's heatwaves spark continent-wide drought
Europe's climate-change-driven heatwaves have triggered a continent-wide drought, with major rivers like the Rhine and Danube experiencing record-low water levels. High temperatures, not low rainfall, are the primary cause, impacting shipping, agriculture, and hydropower, while some countries have restricted non-essential water use.
- Fire ravages forest in southwestern France as thousands evacuated
A forest fire in the Gironde department of southwestern France has forced thousands to evacuate, exacerbated by drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages. Firefighters are working in Le Porge to combat the blaze.
- River levels approach all-time low as drought announcement looms
River levels are nearing all-time lows, and an announcement is expected from NRW regarding the drought situation.
- River levels approach all-time low as drought announcement looms
River levels are nearing all-time lows, and an announcement regarding the drought situation is expected from NRW.
- Climate change has intensified Europe's risk of drought, scientists say
Climate change has intensified drought risks in Europe by making extreme heat the primary driver of dry conditions, according to scientists. A warmer atmosphere is increasing drought and wildfire risks, as low rainfall is no longer the main factor.
- Wildfires ravage parts of southern France, Italy and Spain
Wildfires are burning in Le Porge, a forest area in the Gironde department of France, amid worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages. The fires are part of a broader crisis affecting southern France, Italy, and Spain.
- Drought makes Israeli wildflowers change bloom schedule, study finds
A Hebrew University study reveals that drought timing, particularly in fall and spring, has a greater impact on Israeli wildflower bloom schedules than drought duration, leading to a narrowed flowering season.
- Colorado drought increasingly linked to long-term climate change
Colorado's drought is increasingly connected to long-term climate change, according to a Colorado School of Mines researcher. The seasonal crisis was 14 times more likely after years of global warming.
- Slow-moving cold front to bring storms, localized flooding to Charlotte region
A slow-moving cold front is expected to bring storms, heavy rain, and localized flooding to the Charlotte region, with the highest risk of severe weather late Wednesday and into Thursday. Heavy downpours could lead to several inches of rain over 48 hours, raising flood concerns, though the front may provide drought relief by the weekend.
- Denver Water: Residents meeting conservation goals, but more savings needed
Denver Water reports residents are meeting 20% water reduction targets amid drought, but usage remains near the five-year average as reservoir levels sit at 78%, below typical levels. Officials urge continued conservation under Stage 1 restrictions to avoid stricter measures, citing record heat and dry conditions in 2026.
- July 21: Record long heat wave continues for South Florida
South Florida is experiencing a record 40-day heat wave with temperatures 91° or higher. Dry conditions persist, worsening a moderate to severe drought. Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf may bring wind and rain to the northern Gulf Coast but will not affect South Florida.
- B.C. officials give update on wildfire and drought situation in the province
B.C. officials provided an update on the wildfire and drought situation across British Columbia. Ministers addressed the current status of these environmental challenges in the province.
- Is UK facing drought for second summer in a row?
The UK is facing potential drought for the second consecutive summer due to the longest dry spell in over 30 years in central England, raising concerns about when it might rain.
- MAP: Which public boat ramps are open and closed in Central Texas?
The Highland Lakes in Central Texas are popular boating spots, but drought and floods occasionally affect the status of public boat ramps. The article highlights which ramps are open or closed due to these environmental factors.
- Iconic Lake Mead reservoir could see levels drop by 33 feet within two years sparking apocalyptic drought warnings
Lake Mead's water levels could drop by 33 feet within two years, prompting apocalyptic drought warnings. The reservoir is experiencing significant declines linked to severe drought conditions.
- Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurates Integrated Oil Palm Complex, calls oil palm an assured source of income even during drought
Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurated an Integrated Oil Palm Complex and highlighted oil palm as a reliable income source even during droughts.
- July 20: Hot and drier than normal start to the work week
A Heat Advisory is active in South Florida with a heat index exceeding 105°, accompanied by isolated showers today and tomorrow. The region faces worsening drought conditions as no organized storm systems are expected soon.
- Drought report to Centre in 15 days after comprehensive survey of ground realities, says DKS
A drought report will be submitted to the Centre within 15 days following a comprehensive survey of ground realities, as stated by DKS. The report aims to assess the current situation based on field data.
- Harish spreading false propaganda on drought: Vijaya Ramana
Vijaya Ramana accuses Harish of spreading false propaganda regarding drought. The claim is made in the article title without additional context provided in the content.
- Lake Mead expected to drop nearly 33 feet by June 2028, and that's not even the worst-case scenario
Lake Mead is expected to drop nearly 33 feet by June 2028, with the situation not being the worst-case scenario. The nation's two largest reservoirs face a critical year due to a record-low snowpack and ongoing drought.
- Lake Mead expected to drop nearly 33 feet by June 2028, and that's not even the worst-case scenario
Lake Mead is projected to drop nearly 33 feet by June 2028, with the situation not even representing the worst-case scenario. The nation's two largest reservoirs face a critical year due to a record-low snowpack and ongoing drought, with no immediate relief expected.
- Bear spotted relaxing in backyard kiddie pool near Steamboat Springs
A bear was spotted relaxing in a backyard kiddie pool near Steamboat Springs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials attribute the rise in bear sightings to a drought.
- Yediyurappa joins BJP protest against Bidadi Township Project; party to launch march from Bidadi to Bengaluru
Yediyurappa joined a BJP protest against the Bidadi Township Project, criticizing the government for failing to address drought hardships and instead acquiring fertile farmland. The party plans to launch a march from Bidadi to Bengaluru.
- Latin American governments prepare for El Nino as drought, floods and heat loom
Latin American governments are preparing for El Niño's impacts, including drought, extreme heat, and flooding, by mobilizing resources and activating contingency plans. The World Meteorological Organization warns of the phenomenon's strengthening, with countries like Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia implementing measures to address water shortages, wildfires, and energy shortages.
- Karnataka government urged to declare drought, announce relief of ₹40,000 for each farmer
The Karnataka government is being urged to declare a drought and provide ₹40,000 relief to each farmer. Sugarcane growers are seeking a waiver for crop loans obtained from nationalised, co-operative, and private banks.
- Colorado’s drought isn’t impacting water access to fight wildfires, officials say
Colorado’s drought is not affecting water availability for fighting wildfires, according to officials. Response teams for the Willow, Aspen Acres, and Ferris fires report no issues accessing water to combat the blazes.
- Puerto Rico announces emergency water rationing as drought worsens
Puerto Rico is implementing emergency water rationing as a drought worsens, exacerbating existing water shortages. The governor has declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis.
- Here’s the status of drought in Hampton Roads
The article discusses the current drought status in Hampton Roads and mentions that state officials could enforce mandatory conservation measures if conditions worsen.
- Puerto Rico announces emergency water rationing as drought worsens
Puerto Rico announced emergency water rationing in response to worsening drought conditions, affecting communities in Canovanas and Rio Grande. The crisis has prompted a state of emergency, with officials citing long-term infrastructure neglect and severe drought impacting 73% of the island. Legislators and residents are demanding accountability as water shortages escalate.
- Long Island's East End residents face odd-even lawn watering rules as drought strains water supply
Residents of Long Island's East End are subject to odd-even lawn watering rules as a drought impacts the water supply. The SCWA has imposed restrictions in certain areas of the county to address the strain.
- Algerian farmers on the frontline of heatwave-driven wildfires
Wildfires are raging across Algeria due to extreme heat and drought, with over 130 fires reported on July 15. At least one person has died, and farmers and livestock owners are suffering significant damage. The blazes are unusually severe this year despite being common during summer.
- Horsetooth Reservoir sees heavier boat traffic as drought prompts boat ramp closures at state lakes
Horsetooth Reservoir in Colorado is experiencing increased boat traffic due to drought-related closures at other state lakes, such as Boyd Lake State Park. Larimer County reports earlier and longer capacity limits at Horsetooth, prompting adjustments in staffing and visitor management.
- Nashville’s rain story: Downpours lately but a yearlong drought is in the record books
Nashville has experienced its driest 12-month period since 1987-1988, with 36.72 inches of rainfall compared to a normal 50.51 inches. Recent heavy rain has provided temporary relief but has not resolved the long-term deficit, which has led to eight consecutive months of below-normal rainfall and visible impacts on soil, vegetation, and water levels.
- France grapples with 'very worrying' drought after successive heatwaves
France is experiencing water restrictions due to an 'exceptionally' early and intense drought, exacerbated by its third heatwave in three months and dry conditions fueling wildfires.
- Severe drought forces longtime Northern Colorado farmer to cut barley production in half
A Northern Colorado farmer, Bill Markham, is cutting barley production by 50% due to severe drought conditions. His family's farm, M&M Farms, has supplied Molson Coors with barley for over 60 years, but persistent dry weather has left insufficient water to maintain normal output. Despite the reduction, Molson Coors claims its beer production will remain unaffected due to multiple barley sources.
- Drought persists despite recent heavy rainfall
Recent heavy rainfall in the Carolinas has not alleviated the ongoing drought, as North Carolina counties in the Channel 9 viewing area still require 19 inches of rain. Increased summer evaporation due to heat and sunlight is exacerbating the situation, meaning more rainfall is needed to recover.
- Even Taco Tuesday could be more expensive as beef prices continue to rise
Beef prices are rising due to drought, low herd sizes, and concerns about the new world screwworm in the United States. Texas business owners express concern that price increases could drive away customers.