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Dryness in the Great Plains began spreading east this year, affecting much of the Midwest and endangering crops, livestock and river shipping. Recent rains have been a god-send, but will it be enough to loosen the years-long drought?
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Drought across the Midwest and the Plains means pastures aren’t as green as usual, leaving cattle with less to eat. Hay is in high demand and low supply.
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The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that 80% of Kansas and 60% of Missouri are experiencing at least moderate drought. In Kansas City, that drought is partially due to a blocking pattern — a weather system that keeps others from moving in.
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Data surveyed by the U.S Drought Monitor show that the percentage of "abnormally dry" conditions in Missouri is 93%, up from 7.5% just three months ago. The Kansas City area is in a "moderate drought." Fire officials say that could increase the possibility of fires being ignited by consumer fireworks.
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Dry weather, high temperatures and a lack of rainfall across parts of the Midwest and Great Plains have caused a spike in water demand from city residents. In response, some cities are implementing conservation measures to keep their water supplies from drying up.
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Flash droughts come on quickly and can wilt crops and waterways faster than long-term droughts. New research finds the dangerous dry spells will become more common in the future.
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Kansas wheat farmers will reap the smallest harvest in more than 60 years. Persistent drought withered much of the crop.
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The United Nations has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets — a type of small grain mostly grown in parts of Asia and Africa. The highly resilient and cost-friendly grains could make them the next crop for U.S. farmers in the midst of climate change.
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A rare dust storm in Illinois this month caused a 72-car pileup on an interstate. Climate experts say it points to a bigger problem — soil erosion.
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Last winter’s precipitation relieved some areas of drought, yet in other places it's deepened, making spring stressful for farmers and ranchers.
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Record-setting lack of rain in 2022 transformed parts of western Kansas into a temporary desert. And it'll take a while for the region's fields, towns and mindsets to recover.
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Last October, wildfire sparked by an ATV consumed roughly a quarter of this living landmark in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills. But in a man-made forest, officials say, there’s no roadmap for recovery.