Story perspectives

Record Drought Hits 61% of U.S., Raising Food Prices

4/18/2026

Center

Drought Devastates Agriculture

Drought conditions in the contiguous United States are at record levels, affecting about 61% of the Lower 48 and raising wildfire and food prices.
Record heat and low snowpack drive the early drought peak.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports the drought is most severe in the Southeast and West, with water shortages anticipated.
In Iowa, rains have left 83% drought-free, but agriculture remains challenged by low water supplies.

Right

Stein Offers Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared 82 counties in North Carolina natural disaster areas due to severe drought.
Governor Josh Stein (D-NC) announced potential emergency loan assistance for farmers in North Carolina.
Kentucky faces worsening drought conditions, with 4.37% of the state drought-free and 55.34% in moderate drought, and extreme drought present for the first time this year.
Both states face increased wildfire risks and water shortages.

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Drought Devastates Agriculture

Drought conditions in the contiguous United States are at record levels, affecting about 61% of the Lower 48 and raising wildfire and food prices.
Record heat and low snowpack drive the early drought peak.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports the drought is most severe in the Southeast and West, with water shortages anticipated.
In Iowa, rains have left 83% drought-free, but agriculture remains challenged by low water supplies.

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