The US is seeing stronger storms, so why are droughts getting worse?

Even though annual precipitation is rising nationally, the landscape is drying out more rapidly. That’s changing the water cycle.

By: David Boutt, UMass Amherst, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 26, 2026

Words: 954

Last Updated: 2 months ago

By David Boutt, UMass Amherst

About two-thirds of the U.S. is in some stage of drought in late spring 2026, yet at the same time the country has been seeing more intense downpours. It might seem contradictory, but both are symptoms of rising global temperatures.

The reason has to do with the water cycle.

Water influences every aspect of our lives through a delicate cycle that transforms liquid water into vapor and back …

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