Abnormally Dry Conditions Return, Drought Expands in VA

 

As expected, the hot and dry conditions over the last week have led to the reintroduction of abnormally dry (D0) conditions in a lot of the Southeast, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. They also expanded in Virginia along with a big increase in the area of moderate (D1) drought in the northeast par of the state. With hot temperatures and light rainfall expected in the next week, I expect those areas to stay or even grow on next week’s Drought Monitor. Meanwhile, the drought in Puerto Rico has decreased slightly due to some needed rain.

 

 

 

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.