Counties with the worst droughts in Mississippi [Video]

About 17% of the continental United States is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Winter storms brought heavy (in some areas, record-setting) rainfall and flooding to California, offering the state an expected two-year reprieve from widespread droughts, that covered nearly 100% of the state from 2020 to 2022. But in other parts of the country, especially dry conditions continue. New Mexico currently is the state with the highest drought level, covering ​​nearly 75% of the state’s area.

In periods of drought, levels of major reservoirs and rivers can fall dramatically. Groundwater systems are also affected as shrinking water supplies impact agriculture and hydropower generation while increasing wildfire risk.

Periods of drought have intensified and become more frequent in recent years due to climate change. Scientists predict that …