An escalating drought crisis is stealthily impacting six states in the Midwest, according to a recent alert from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in its Probabilistic Hazards Outlook. The Drought Monitor from NOAA indicates that unusual dryness is intensifying throughout the area, with Rapid Onset Drought officially recognized in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana as water usage surges during the heat of June. This drought poses a risk to the early corn and soybean harvest in regions that contribute to a quarter of the nation’s food supply. NOAA warns that the anticipated wet weather over the next two weeks might not be sufficient to fully heal the already damaged soils.
