Is 2021 going to be a drought?
A huge swath of land from California through the Southwest is currently in the worst category of drought, D4-Exceptional drought. Drought conditions across the contiguous United States as of May 25, 2021. And with not much precipitation expected over the next month, that drought will likely continue.
Is the Midwest getting wetter?
Minnesota is getting wetter. Over the last 100 years, the state has seen more storms that produce heavy rainfall, and its strongest storms have grown more intense.
Why is it so hot in Midwest?
The Midwest frequently gets warm, moist air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold, dry air moving in from the Rocky Mountains or Canada. Typically, a storm blows itself out once the warm air has moved up and the cool air down—a vertical column turning over as a unit.
Is the Midwest getting hotter?
The Midwest has gotten warmer, with average annual temperatures increasing over the last several decades. The rate of increase in temperature has accelerated in recent decades, particularly nighttime and winter temperatures.
How big is the population of the Midwest?
The Midwest has a population of more than 61 million people (about 20% of the national total) and generates a regional gross domestic product of more than $2.6 trillion (about 19% of the national total).
How often does precipitation occur in the Midwest?
Precipitation in the Midwest is greatest in the east, declining towards the west. Precipitation occurs about once every seven days in the western part of the region and once every three days in the southeastern part. The 10 rainiest days can contribute as much as 40% of total precipitation in a given year.
What kind of land is in the Midwest?
The Midwest is home to expansive agricultural lands, forests in the north, the Great Lakes, substantial industrial activity, and major urban areas, including eight of the nation’s 50 most populous cities.
What is the importance of ecosystems in the Midwest?
The ecosystems of the Midwest support a diverse array of native species and provide people with essential services such as water purification, flood control, resource provision, crop pollination, and recreational opportunities.