Parched
Current global drought conditions (Standard Precipitation Index)
EDITOR’S NOTE
The U.S. West is in the midst of a two-decade-long megadrought, the most extreme in at least 1,200 years. Other regions around the world are experiencing similar periods of extreme dryness. Reservoirs and snowpacks are at dangerously low levels. Hydroelectric facilities are at risk of shutting down. Cities are facing water shortages. And ecosystems are parched, raising the risk of wildfires and ecological damage. But amid all this chaos, there are also innovative solutions, policies, and technologies being tested to adapt to this drier future. Follow Grist as it delves into all aspects of drought — and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
In This Series
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![The South Platte River]()
![The South Platte River]()
Is Nebraska building a $500 million ‘canal to nowhere’ just to own the libs?
Nebraska Republicans say a new canal will keep their water from being pilfered by Colorado. Water experts say it won't really do anything.
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Water security is now a key US foreign policy priority
Almost half the global population will experience "severe water stress" by 2030. A new White House strategy aims to tackle the problem.
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![Aerial view of Shasta Lake in California]()
![Aerial view of Shasta Lake in California]()
Report: California hydropower could be cut in half this summer
A third year of drought spells less hydropower, more natural gas, and higher electricity prices.
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![A farmer in Los Banos, California]()
![A farmer in Los Banos, California]()
In an era of drought, an obscure water contract is pitting California farmers against each other
The so-called “exchange contract” has created a surreal split-screen effect: One group of farmers has ample water. Another has almost none.
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![A male farmer wearing overalls and a red cap looking down at dry, cracked earth caused by severe drought]()
![A male farmer wearing overalls and a red cap looking down at dry, cracked earth caused by severe drought]()
‘Flash droughts’ are Midwest’s next big climate threat
New research shows that dry weather is coming on more quickly than before, with little advance warning.
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![Aircraft fly over a smoky, hilly forest.]()
![Aircraft fly over a smoky, hilly forest.]()
As fires scorch New Mexico, the West braces for another hellish summer
It’s only May, and the Calf Canyon fire is already the state’s second-biggest on record.
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![The Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell]()
![The Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell]()
As Lake Powell dries up, the US turns to creative accounting for a short-term fix
A new agreement calls for Western states to leave their drinking water in the reservoir — and act as if they didn't.
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![Glen Canyon Dam Lake Powell Arizona]()
![Glen Canyon Dam Lake Powell Arizona]()
Lake Powell water crisis is about to be an energy crisis
As the West's megadrought continues, communities reliant on hydroelectric power — including tribes and rural towns — face shortages.
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![Scottsdale, Arizona highway over a river with buildings, green trees, and mountains in the distance]()
![Scottsdale, Arizona highway over a river with buildings, green trees, and mountains in the distance]()
How the West’s megadrought is leaving one Arizona neighborhood with no water at all
Thanks to Colorado River cuts, hundreds of residents on the outskirts of Phoenix are “the canary in the coal mine.”
