drought
Coverage of drought in the Nexus archive.
- Heat and storm chances continue across the Carolinas
The Carolinas are experiencing oppressive heat and daily thunderstorms this week, with high temperatures in the mid-90s and heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees. A cold front is expected to bring increased storm chances and potential flooding over the weekend, followed by temporary cooler weather next week before heat returns.
- Chile Weighs a Power-Rationing Decree as Drought Strains the Grid
Chile’s government is considering a preventive power-rationing decree as drought and reduced rainfall linked to a delayed El Niño, combined with offline power plants, strain the energy grid. The grid operator issued a yellow flag warning due to tighter supply conditions this winter.
- Will assess rain deficiency, drought across Karnataka: Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar
Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar will assess rain deficiency and drought conditions in Karnataka. His visit to Kalyana Karnataka aims to gather firsthand information on the current situation.
- Monroe enters stage two drought, water restrictions take effect
Monroe has entered stage two drought conditions, making water restrictions mandatory, including prohibitions on home car washing and pool filling. The city previously pumped water from Rock Quarry Lake to mitigate the drought, but lake levels remain insufficient to meet demand.
- U.T. Khader calls for preparedness against both floods and drought in Kodagu
U.T. Khader urges preparedness against both floods and drought in Kodagu. The call emphasizes proactive measures to address potential natural disasters.
- El Nino: Is Africa ready for the perfect storm?
A strong El Nino expected later this year could bring drought, floods and displacement to parts of Africa. Experts say the warnings are clear, but question whether governments can act before disaster strikes.
- Italian rice crops suffer in drought, worst European heatwave ever
Italian rice crops in Pavia province are suffering due to a severe drought and what is considered the worst European heatwave in June. Sharon Angoli and her father, Carlo, report that their parched paddies are unlikely to recover even with summer rains.
- Body cam video shows Florida deputies responding to alligator attack that killed 31-year-old woman
Body camera video from Florida authorities shows deputies responding to an alligator attack that killed 31-year-old Brittany Clark in Seminole County. Clark was attacked while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River during a drought, with her boyfriend attempting to rescue her before she died en route to the hospital.
- Body cam video shows Florida deputies responding to alligator attack that killed 31-year-old woman
Body camera video shows Florida deputies responding to an alligator attack that killed 31-year-old Brittany Clark in the Econlockhatchee River. Clark was attacked while swimming with friends during a drought, which has lowered water levels in the area. Her boyfriend attempted to rescue her, but she died en route to the hospital.
- Prepare for possible drought, drinking water crisis, Minister tells officials
A minister warned officials about potential drought and drinking water crisis, citing a 31% rainfall deficit in Koppal. The district is instructed to develop contingency plans, create rural jobs, ensure crop insurance coverage, and streamline electoral roll revisions.
- BJP urges Karnataka Chief Minister to declare drought in affected taluks and take relief measures on war footing
BJP urges Karnataka Chief Minister to declare drought in affected taluks and take relief measures on war footing.
- Wildfires scorch southern France as heat and drought fuel blazes
Wildfires in southern France, fueled by heat and drought, have scorched over 900 hectares in Aude and Herault regions, with 800 firefighters and 150 vehicles deployed. Additional water-bomber aircraft were mobilized as high temperatures and strong winds worsen conditions. The Aude region, frequently affected by wildfires, faces ongoing drought with no rain forecast.
- Hoping to hike, fish, boat or camp in Colorado this summer? With wildfires and drought, you need to check before you go.
Wildfires are restricting access to large areas of public lands in Colorado, while drought conditions are reducing water levels in rivers and reservoirs. These environmental challenges may impact summer outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
- Boaters urged to exercise caution on Lake Wylie during holiday weekend
Boaters are urged to exercise caution on Lake Wylie during the holiday weekend due to low water levels exposing rocks and creating hazardous conditions. Law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to manage crowds and ensure safety, as warned by officials from South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources.
- A New Mexico Town Is Running Dry. An Immigration Detention Center Is Its Biggest Water Customer.
Estancia, New Mexico, is experiencing severe drought causing its wells to dry up. The town's immigration detention center, operated by ICE, is its largest water customer, prompting both the facility and town to truck in water until a new well is drilled.
- Colorado mountain towns must tighten taps, but water shortages could have been much worse
Colorado mountain towns are reducing water use to address shortages. Western Slope growers have cut their own consumption, and proactive planning before the drought's peak has mitigated the crisis.
- Large Fires Scorch Drought-Stricken Western U.S.
Large fires are scorching the drought-stricken Western United States due to a warm and dry winter, leading to an early and aggressive fire season with worsening conditions expected.
- Suffolk fire marshal says severe drought could increase fire risk
Suffolk's fire marshal warns that severe drought conditions could significantly increase fire risk, citing a recent two-alarm brush fire that burned 100 acres near Lummis and Copeland roads.
- Man arrested on suspicion of intentionally starting brush fire
Jefferson County deputies arrested an out-of-state man suspected of intentionally starting a brush fire during a drought and amid several major wildfires in the state.
- Splash pads closed due to drought, frustrating families trying to beat the heat
Cities in the Foothills, including Hickory, Morganton, and Lenoir, have closed splash pads due to drought conditions, frustrating families seeking relief from the heat. Water restrictions in Hickory, including Stage 2 low-inflow protocol, prohibit activities like car washing and pool filling, with residents asked to irrigate no more than twice a week.
- Minister asks Bagalkot officers to handle drought effectively
The Minister instructed Bagalkot officers to manage the drought effectively and chaired a meeting on monsoon preparedness and disaster management.
- There are still ways to beat the hot summer weather in Charlotte even during a drought
Charlotte remains under Stage 2 water restrictions due to drought, but public splash pads and pools in Mecklenburg County remain open as free cooling options. A first-time mother, Cierra Browne, is highlighted as using a splash pad to cope with summer heat.
- Uganda: Ntungamo Farmers Brace for Harsh Dry Season As Drought Tightens Grip
Farmers in Ntungamo District, Uganda, are facing worsening drought conditions that are causing crops to wither, water sources to diminish, and pasturelands to dry up. The situation has tightened the grip of drought across several rural communities in the area.
- Boyd Lake closes its boat ramp for 2026 season as drought lowers water levels
Boyd Lake State Park in Colorado is closing its main boat ramp for the 2026 season due to drought-related water level drops of 20-25 feet. The low water has exposed shoreline, hindered boat launches, and impacted local businesses like Cook's Auto Spa & Boat Repair. Colorado Parks and Wildlife attributes the crisis to reduced snowmelt and rainfall, with park manager Lauren Turpin warning other reservoirs may follow suit.
- Big changes to the drought in recent weeks
An active weather pattern has led to significant improvements in the ongoing drought in Central Texas. The changes indicate a notable shift in regional drought conditions.
- Colorado’s climate check-in: Heat, air quality, drought and the El Niño outlook
In Colorado's June 'Climate Conversation' with CPR and Denver7, host Ryan Warner and Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo discuss the state's intense heat, deteriorating air quality, widespread drought, and the potential impacts of a strengthening El Niño, which could bring heavier monsoon rains and improved winter snowpack. Climate outlooks suggest above-average temperatures may persist, with the entire state currently experiencing drought conditions.
- Texas’ refusal to plan for climate change created a crisis in Corpus Christi
Texas' refusal to plan for climate change led to a crisis in Corpus Christi, where unrealistic assessments of the region's reservoir system exacerbated drought conditions into an emergency.
- Boone implements Stage 2 water restrictions as drought continues
The Town of Boone has implemented Stage 2 water restrictions starting July 1 due to ongoing extreme drought conditions. Prohibited activities include lawn watering, new irrigation landscaping, pool filling, and vehicle washing without water reclamation systems, among other water-saving measures.
- How cities in Africa are adapting to intense and deadly heat
The article discusses how cities in Africa are adapting to intense and deadly heat. It highlights a severe drought in the Western Cape province of South Africa, specifically at the Knysna lagoon, as of February 7, 2026.
- Spanberger encourages water conservation during drought, while data centers use millions of gallons a day
Governor Abigail Spanberger has encouraged Virginians to conserve water amid a drought, but data centers in Virginia, known as the data center capitol of the world, consume millions of gallons daily, raising concerns.
- Colombia’s Gas Is Running Out Just as a Drought Threatens Its Power
Colombia’s proved gas reserves fell 16.8% in 2025, marking a 54.6% decline since 2018. At current output, gas reserves cover about 5.9 years, while Colombia now imports roughly a quarter to a third of its gas needs.
- Drought fears prompt push for 100% crop survey in Mysuru
Drought fears in Mysuru are prompting a push for a 100% crop survey covering nearly 10 lakh plots. A 1% survey gap could leave 9,000 farmers without benefits, says the DC.
- El Niño threatens Africa’s food security
El Niño is expected to cause droughts in Africa, threatening cocoa and coffee crops in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which supply over half the world’s cocoa. The droughts could reduce outputs, drive up global prices, and harm farmers who do not benefit from government-fixed prices. The IMF’s Africa chief announced plans to support nations affected by conflict-induced shocks.
- France on red alert for forest fires amid extreme heat
France is under red alert for forest fires due to a record-breaking heatwave and drought, with southwest departments on high alert. Forest fires have already broken out, with one under control and another still being fought by firefighters.
- Beefing Up the Cost: Why Hawaii beef prices are rising and local supply is shrinking
Hawaii beef prices are rising and local supply is shrinking due to drought, shrinking cattle herds, and nationwide supply challenges, according to industry leaders.
- Counties across Colorado increase fire restrictions to minimize risk during extreme drought, high temperatures
Counties in Colorado, including Elbert County, have increased fire restrictions to Stage 2 due to extreme drought and high temperatures, prohibiting fireworks and slash pile burning. Officials cite dry conditions and increased fire risk, with Summit County also implementing similar restrictions. The Elizabeth Fire Protection District highlights the need for community safety amid heightened fire danger.
- Southern Colorado farmers struggle with drought ahead of fall harvest
Southern Colorado farmers are struggling with drought conditions that threaten their fall harvests. The drought is forcing difficult operational decisions and raising concerns about the availability of fall festivities like pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
- Indian children among most exposed to extreme heat, drought, and multiple climate hazards: UNICEF Report
UNICEF's 2026 Children’s Climate Risk Report highlights that Indian children face high vulnerability to climate hazards, particularly extreme heat, drought, and multiple climate-related risks.
- Ready for your next steak? These ranchers are battling drought to bring your way.
Cattle producers are adapting to drought conditions by managing water levels, grazing options, and financial strategies to ensure survival. Ranchers focus on balancing environmental challenges with operational sustainability to continue supplying beef.
- Heat, wind and drought conditions spark wildfires in US West
Extreme heat and dry, windy conditions are fueling wildfires in the US West. An uncontained blaze in Utah has forced the evacuation of a small town southwest of Salt Lake City.