1.3.2008 8:26 AM

The Year in Drought: At a Glance

Significant Droughts Spawned Wildfires, Crop Damage

Comments

Map shows degree of drought change in 2007.

Reds indicate the most change toward drought, and blues the most relief from drought.

Photo: U.S. Drought Monitor

By Dan Shapley

Early 2008 rains have brought some relief to the Southeast, and the promise of heavy precipitation in the Northwest promises to alleviate lingering drought conditions there (though potentially deadly snow totals, flooding and landslides may exact a heavy price in the process).

But 2007 saw significant drought across much of the United States. Crops, water supplies and wildlife all suffered across a huge swath of the Southeast, and persistent drought in the west contributed to a near-record wildfire season. The 9.3 million acres that burned was second only to 2007, and just 5% off that record total.

The map at right shows the degree of change in drought conditions across the United States during the 2007 calendar year.

COMMENTS ()