WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTIV) -
Federal weather forecasters predict the unusually hot dry weather that has gripped much of the nation will linger into fall, especially for the parched heartland. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's outlook indicates a high probability for little rain for all or parts of 15 states for August.
Meanwhile, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map released today shows that severe drought affecting much of the Midwest and Great Plains now covers more than half of Iowa and three-quarters of Nebraska. The map shows the eastern half is the driest part of Iowa, plus a bulging area in the north-central part of the state. The map shows the rest of Iowa in a moderate drought.
The drought map is a project shared by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Weather Service. The latest map is based on conditions as of 6 a.m. Tuesday.
The map shows that the western 75 percent of Nebraska is suffering from a severe drought, and extreme drought is affecting some counties in the center of the state and its southwest corner.
The situation is so severe, it's prompted some Indiana farmers to cut down their withering corn crops while it can still be used for feed. It's also prompted U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to address the drought for a second straight day. He says Congress needs to step in to help the struggling farmers.
"We've got thousands and thousands of farm families and ranch families across the country who are suffering today, in 29 states. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is an American issue. We obviously need to help these folks. This is why we have a safety net. This is why we need passage of a food, farm and jobs bill quickly. It is why we need to help these livestock producers in particular," Vilsack said.
Vilsack discussed the situation with President Obama on Wednesday.
More than 70 percent of the U-S is experiencing some state of drought, according to the National Climatic Data Center.
