Digital-News on Scoop.it today

By Climate Central's Michael D. Lemonick: July 2012 was officially not only the warmest July on record, but also the warmest month ever recorded for the lower 48 states, according to a report released Wednesday by scientists at the National Oceanic...

The drought footprint cover 63% of the contiguous states during the hottest month in American history.  It's the hottest 12 month stretch (August 2011-July 2012) on record for the lower 48, making it the fourth consecutive month to set a new record (i.e. old record was July 2011-June 2012).The biggest difference from other hot months is the nighttime temperature have been exceptionally high.  The most current drought monitor map can be found at:  http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu

It is increasingly clear that we already live in the era of human-induced climate change, with unprecedented weather and climate extremes.

I don't delight in sharing the bad news.  So is this drought just a freak anomaly or a sign of a new normal?