Record heat and low precipitation continue to expand the already dire drought footprint across the U.S. This past week, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that 62% of the country was covered by some form of drought, up 5 points from the prior week.

The Great Plains eastward to the Mississippi Valley and the Southeast are seeing above-normal temperatures. Many locations in the region were already experiencing a shortfall of precipitation, which means real potential for a flash drought. A flash drought happens with an onset of rapid drought conditions where there previously was no drought.

Read more on drought conditions and view your area’s drought potential here.