Drought

2012 Hottest Year on Record for USA

The US sweltered under its hottest year on record in 2012, breaking the previous yearly average by 0.6°C which occurred in 1998. Last year the average US temperature was 13°C amid widespread drought and a mild winter. July broke the record for hottest month. Nineteen states set yearly heat records in 2012. Alaska, however, was cooler than average.

Drought in Thailand

A disaster zone was declared due to drought in the northern province of Phichit, Thailand. A drought disaster zone was issued for the drought hit districts of Muang, Saklek, Dong Charoen and Wangsai Poon.

Drought Relief in US

Some modest relief is expected this week from the worst drought in over 50 years in the U.S. crop belt and volatile weather patterns are shifting attention to potential harm or winterkill in the U.S. Plains hard red winter wheat region.

Heavy rainfall is expected this week in the U.S. Delta extending into central Texas and the showers will move into portions of the southern Midwest.