Across US West, drought arriving dangerously early | See photos

The consequences of the intense dry periods that pummeled areas of the West in recent years were severe — more intense and dangerous wildfires, parched croplands and not enough vegetation to support livestock and wildlife.

Even before summer's start, the US West is suffering the effects of chronic drought made worse by climate change. Eighty-eight percent of the West was in a state of drought this week, including the entire states of California, Oregon, Utah and Nevada, according to official data. The situation in northern California is similar. Lake Oroville, the state’s second-largest reservoir, provides potable water to 27 million Californians. But it is 50 metres (165 feet) lower than in 2019, reported news agency AFP. The consequences of the intense dry periods that pummeled areas of the West in recent years were severe — more intense and dangerous wildfires, parched croplands and not enough vegetation to support livestock and wildlife.