For those east of the Mississippi River, drought is not a great concern. However, areas west of there are experiencing a growing drought footprint.
Currently, 67% of the country is afflicted with varying levels of drought, with 22% in the two most severe categories – “extreme” and “exceptional.”
Source: Feedstuffs, December 16, 2020. Link. Forecasters are concerned that soil moisture in the High Plains will stay low heading into the spring as drought conditions have spread and intensified. It’s not time to panic just yet, but it will be important to monitor conditions throughout the winter to watch for signs of drought either strengthening or weakening its hold in the Midwest and Plains.