Thursday, November 12, 2020

Drought Monitor (pasta alert)

 From the University of Nebraska-Lincoln a comparison of the just-released map and the map from four weeks ago:

Data as of November 10, 2020

Drought Monitor for conus 

As of October 13, 2020

Drought Monitor for conus

Drought conditions are intensifying in what used to be called the Great American Desert and if this trend continues for another six months we'll begin to see why it is not a good idea to build cities in drought-prone areas.

For the most part crop growing regions are not being affected except for dryness creeping into North Dakota which unfortunately for pasta fans produces some of the best durum wheat in the world.

This map shows the U.S. durum triangle in Northwestern North Dakota/Northeastern Montana where the majority of durum is grown. (Photo courtesy USDA)

Your noodles may be more expensive next year.