WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Government scientists forecast that the disastrous drought in the southern United States will go on for the next three months.
Drought conditions in the South led to $10 billion in crop and agricultural losses in 2011. Conditions are also expected to affect the western United States, where Californians are already experiencing water shortages.
A weekly federal government report called "Drought Monitor" says the drought may develop into a solid 2,500-mile stripe across the southern tier of the United States from Virginia to California, USA Today reported Tuesday.
Brian Fuchs, climatologist for the National Drought Mitigation Center in Lincoln, Neb., tells the newspaper: "There are fairly good odds that the winter will continue to be on the warm and dry side in the southern U.S."
Texas has received some rain, but not enough to provide relief to the 95 percent of the state that remains in some stage of drought.
To the west, California is going through its highest percentage of drought since March 2009. Officials are already concerned that conditions could lead to a treacherous wildfire season.
