drought

Oklahoma is drought-free for the first time in more than five years. Although drought has left the state, some impacts might remain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $1 billion dollars in disaster assistance to cover grazing losses from eligible drought and wildfire events in 2023 and 2024.

Another year of dry conditions could hurt production for farmers growing crops and raising livestock in the region.

A new report from the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center analyzes data showing drought likelihood and temperature projections for this spring.

Drought and extreme winds across Oklahoma mean perfect conditions for wildfires to start and spread. By mid-day Friday, dozens of fires were burning across the state, prompting evacuations, taking out power and making travel hazardous.

Drought has scorched much of the Midwest and Great Plains for the last four years. It has destroyed crops and sparked wildfires. Wildlife is also reckoning with the dry conditions – which can change animal behavior and even push species out of some regions.

Beekeepers say it can be especially challenging to raise honeybees in the Midwest. Parasites, pesticides and extreme weather like drought are contributing to colony loss.

Before a bout of rain Wednesday, the Emergency Drought Committee approved a new program opening emergency drought assistance. This comes following a record-breaking dry October.

The world's longest river is at its lowest levels after a long drought. That's left the Amazon Rainforest, the vital waterway and tributaries parched, stranding communities and affecting livelihoods.

Fall is typically a drier time of the year for the Great Plains and Midwest. But drought is once again rearing its head in much of the region, and experts are not seeing relief anytime soon.