drought News

Report: 4.5 Million Homes in 13 States at Extreme Wildfire Risk

A report issued today shows 4.5 million U.S. homes at high or extreme risk of wildfire as the multi-year drought continues. The report’s author said the worsening drought means 2015 has the potential to be one of the most devastating …

Emergency Loans for Drought Available for Small Businesses in Idaho

Small businesses in a handful of counties in southern Idaho are now eligible to apply for low interest federal loans to help offset the costs of prolonged drought. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced last week that nonfarm businesses may …

El Niño Likely to Last Through Northern Hemisphere Summer: U.S. Forecaster

The El Niño climate phenomenon is almost certain to last through the Northern Hemisphere summer, the U.S. weather forecaster said, raising the chance of heavy rain in the southern United States as well as South America, and scorching heat in …

El Nino Emerges; Asia-Pacific Region Faces Months of Disruptive Weather

In 2009, the El Nino brought the worst drought in four decades to India. It razed wheat fields in Australia and damaged crops across Asia. Food prices surged. A closely watched forecast by Japan on Tuesday confirmed its return this …

Unprecedented Water Cutbacks Approved by California Regulators

California water regulators adopted sweeping, unprecedented restrictions on how people, governments and businesses can use water amid the state’s ongoing drought, hoping to push reluctant residents to deeper conservation. The State Water Resources Control Board approved rules this week that …

Officials: Western Drought Could Create Perfect Storm Fire Season in Nevada

Drought and weather conditions across the West could create ideal conditions for simultaneous wildfires and make it tougher for Nevada to get out-of-state aid, fire officials said. Authorities from several agencies briefed Gov. Brian Sandoval this week in Carson City …

California’s Brown Wants to Battle Drought With Fine For Water Wasters

California businesses and residents that waste the most water as the state copes with a drought should face $10,000 fines, Gov. Jerry Brown said, as his administration rejected calls from cities to relax its mandatory water conservation targets. The recommendation …

California Governor’s Aggressive Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

California would aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under an ambitious plan announced by Gov. Jerry Brown. The governor’s executive order goes further than a federal proposal also aiming to curb global warming but lacks specifics on how to …

Mud Run in Southern California Canceled Due To Drought

A popular mud run in Southern California has been canceled because officials don’t want to expend the water during the state’s historic drought. The Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper reported that it would have required thousands of gallons to create the course …

Earth Day, Climate Change and Drought

As much of the U.S. and the rest of the planet celebrated Earth Day, California politicos and leaders squabbled over how best to deal with the ongoing drought – which may or may not be caused by climate change, depending …