Neb. Much of the South and parts of the Midwest are experiencing a drought that is likely to intensify this spring, threatening crops and water supplies.
Drought threatens crops and water supplies.
Agriculture Department officials say it is too early to tell whether the drought will have any impact on food prices. However, more than 60 percent of the winter wheat crop in Texas is rated no better than poor. La Nina is expected to linger for several months at least. The hardest-hit states are expected to be Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama experienced their driest February in 106 years.