Drought 2012’s Throttle On Iowa and U.S. Is Widespread

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted an animation the other day that shows the progress of one of the worst droughts in U.S. history.

Waukee and roughly the eastern two-thirds of Iowa are included in the drought area, but for the most part are less affected than some parts of the country.

Using data from the U.S. Drought monitor, the map animation shows that by early this month, more than 60 percent of the contiguous United States was experiencing drought conditions, nearly double the affected area in January, according to the NOAA.