drought

South Florida is experiencing sizzling hot temperatures with highs in the mid-90s and a heat index up to 110 degrees, prompting heat advisories in Miami-Dade and Broward. The worst Saharan dust of the year is causing hazy skies and reduced air quality, with dry and dusty conditions expected to worsen next week, potentially leading to record highs and exacerbating drought and fire concerns.

Farmers along the Colorado River are experiencing increased water shortages due to a dry winter and reduced snowpack, exacerbating a drought affecting seven U.S. states and Mexico. Climate change is accelerating the drought's impact on agricultural plans in Colorado, as reported by science correspondent Miles O'Brien in the Tipping Point series.

Low water levels caused by drought conditions are forcing an early closure of motorized boat ramps at Barr Lake State Park, with the ramps closing Friday at 9 p.m. Park rangers cited the risk of trailers getting stuck in mud as water levels near the sandy bottom. Hand-launched vessels like kayaks and paddleboards remain permitted, and fishing activity remains strong despite the low water.

The UN is implementing a plan in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria state to protect thousands from an impending drought. The initiative aims to mitigate the worst impacts before they occur.

North Carolina faces severe drought conditions, with 43.6% of the state in extreme drought and 6% in exceptional drought. Farmers report low crop yields and water shortages, while Raleigh struggles with high residential water usage despite conservation efforts. Falls Lake, a key water source, is declining weekly.

French rivers are drying up due to prolonged heatwaves, with 16% of waterways affected in June compared to 6% in June 2025. The drought is described as arriving early and with exceptional severity, prompting emergency measures in some regions to save fish in rivers.

Officials in the village of Athens are hoping for 'about two more days' of rain to address their drought, as residential water restrictions are currently in effect. The water supply situation remains a concern until additional rainfall is received.

Sterling Ranch in Douglas County, Colorado, prioritizes water conservation through drought-tolerant home appliances, indoor and outdoor water meters, and resident education on water-efficient plants. The community secured water rights before construction and uses technology like Rachio sprinkler controllers to help residents manage water usage, with residents like Sam Johnson highlighting the community's proactive approach to drought preparedness.

The Carolinas are experiencing oppressive heat and daily thunderstorms this week, with high temperatures in the mid-90s and heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees. A cold front is expected to bring increased storm chances and potential flooding over the weekend, followed by temporary cooler weather next week before heat returns.

Chile’s government is considering a preventive power-rationing decree as drought and reduced rainfall linked to a delayed El Niño, combined with offline power plants, strain the energy grid. The grid operator issued a yellow flag warning due to tighter supply conditions this winter.

Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar will assess rain deficiency and drought conditions in Karnataka. His visit to Kalyana Karnataka aims to gather firsthand information on the current situation.

Monroe has entered stage two drought conditions, making water restrictions mandatory, including prohibitions on home car washing and pool filling. The city previously pumped water from Rock Quarry Lake to mitigate the drought, but lake levels remain insufficient to meet demand.

U.T. Khader urges preparedness against both floods and drought in Kodagu. The call emphasizes proactive measures to address potential natural disasters.

A strong El Nino expected later this year could bring drought, floods and displacement to parts of Africa. Experts say the warnings are clear, but question whether governments can act before disaster strikes.

Italian rice crops in Pavia province are suffering due to a severe drought and what is considered the worst European heatwave in June. Sharon Angoli and her father, Carlo, report that their parched paddies are unlikely to recover even with summer rains.

Body camera video from Florida authorities shows deputies responding to an alligator attack that killed 31-year-old Brittany Clark in Seminole County. Clark was attacked while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River during a drought, with her boyfriend attempting to rescue her before she died en route to the hospital.

Body camera video shows Florida deputies responding to an alligator attack that killed 31-year-old Brittany Clark in the Econlockhatchee River. Clark was attacked while swimming with friends during a drought, which has lowered water levels in the area. Her boyfriend attempted to rescue her, but she died en route to the hospital.

A minister warned officials about potential drought and drinking water crisis, citing a 31% rainfall deficit in Koppal. The district is instructed to develop contingency plans, create rural jobs, ensure crop insurance coverage, and streamline electoral roll revisions.

BJP urges Karnataka Chief Minister to declare drought in affected taluks and take relief measures on war footing.

Wildfires in southern France, fueled by heat and drought, have scorched over 900 hectares in Aude and Herault regions, with 800 firefighters and 150 vehicles deployed. Additional water-bomber aircraft were mobilized as high temperatures and strong winds worsen conditions. The Aude region, frequently affected by wildfires, faces ongoing drought with no rain forecast.

Wildfires are restricting access to large areas of public lands in Colorado, while drought conditions are reducing water levels in rivers and reservoirs. These environmental challenges may impact summer outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.

Boaters are urged to exercise caution on Lake Wylie during the holiday weekend due to low water levels exposing rocks and creating hazardous conditions. Law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to manage crowds and ensure safety, as warned by officials from South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources.

Estancia, New Mexico, is experiencing severe drought causing its wells to dry up. The town's immigration detention center, operated by ICE, is its largest water customer, prompting both the facility and town to truck in water until a new well is drilled.

Colorado mountain towns are reducing water use to address shortages. Western Slope growers have cut their own consumption, and proactive planning before the drought's peak has mitigated the crisis.

Large fires are scorching the drought-stricken Western United States due to a warm and dry winter, leading to an early and aggressive fire season with worsening conditions expected.

Suffolk's fire marshal warns that severe drought conditions could significantly increase fire risk, citing a recent two-alarm brush fire that burned 100 acres near Lummis and Copeland roads.

Jefferson County deputies arrested an out-of-state man suspected of intentionally starting a brush fire during a drought and amid several major wildfires in the state.

Cities in the Foothills, including Hickory, Morganton, and Lenoir, have closed splash pads due to drought conditions, frustrating families seeking relief from the heat. Water restrictions in Hickory, including Stage 2 low-inflow protocol, prohibit activities like car washing and pool filling, with residents asked to irrigate no more than twice a week.

The Minister instructed Bagalkot officers to manage the drought effectively and chaired a meeting on monsoon preparedness and disaster management.

Charlotte remains under Stage 2 water restrictions due to drought, but public splash pads and pools in Mecklenburg County remain open as free cooling options. A first-time mother, Cierra Browne, is highlighted as using a splash pad to cope with summer heat.

Farmers in Ntungamo District, Uganda, are facing worsening drought conditions that are causing crops to wither, water sources to diminish, and pasturelands to dry up. The situation has tightened the grip of drought across several rural communities in the area.

Boyd Lake State Park in Colorado is closing its main boat ramp for the 2026 season due to drought-related water level drops of 20-25 feet. The low water has exposed shoreline, hindered boat launches, and impacted local businesses like Cook's Auto Spa & Boat Repair. Colorado Parks and Wildlife attributes the crisis to reduced snowmelt and rainfall, with park manager Lauren Turpin warning other reservoirs may follow suit.

An active weather pattern has led to significant improvements in the ongoing drought in Central Texas. The changes indicate a notable shift in regional drought conditions.

In Colorado's June 'Climate Conversation' with CPR and Denver7, host Ryan Warner and Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo discuss the state's intense heat, deteriorating air quality, widespread drought, and the potential impacts of a strengthening El Niño, which could bring heavier monsoon rains and improved winter snowpack. Climate outlooks suggest above-average temperatures may persist, with the entire state currently experiencing drought conditions.

Texas' refusal to plan for climate change led to a crisis in Corpus Christi, where unrealistic assessments of the region's reservoir system exacerbated drought conditions into an emergency.

The Town of Boone has implemented Stage 2 water restrictions starting July 1 due to ongoing extreme drought conditions. Prohibited activities include lawn watering, new irrigation landscaping, pool filling, and vehicle washing without water reclamation systems, among other water-saving measures.

The article discusses how cities in Africa are adapting to intense and deadly heat. It highlights a severe drought in the Western Cape province of South Africa, specifically at the Knysna lagoon, as of February 7, 2026.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has encouraged Virginians to conserve water amid a drought, but data centers in Virginia, known as the data center capitol of the world, consume millions of gallons daily, raising concerns.

Colombia’s proved gas reserves fell 16.8% in 2025, marking a 54.6% decline since 2018. At current output, gas reserves cover about 5.9 years, while Colombia now imports roughly a quarter to a third of its gas needs.

Drought fears in Mysuru are prompting a push for a 100% crop survey covering nearly 10 lakh plots. A 1% survey gap could leave 9,000 farmers without benefits, says the DC.