Record US drought sparks worries about fires, water supply and food prices
- Posted on April 18, 2026
- By AOL
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Record US drought sparks worries about fires, water supply and food prices
Drought in the contiguous United States has reached record levels for this time of year, weather data shows. Meteorologists said it's a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and western water issues. More than 61% of the Lower 48 states is in moderate to exceptional drought — including 97% of the Southeast and two-thirds of the West — according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.