Rains have helped alleviate drought conditions in certain parts of America. But the region's that were classified as being in "D2 - extreme" or "D4 - exceptional" drought increased from 20.6 percent to 22.3 percent this week.
The drought in the Midwest is expected to impact the American farm industry for years to come. It has also had international ramifications. Corn prices which are at record levels are expected to move higher, and this could even drive up inflation in China.
For the August 7 - 11 week the Drought Monitor expects:
"...A continuation of the recent pattern is expected to persist with above-normal temperatures dominating most of the country, the areas of exception being the West Coast and Florida. Below-normal precipitation appears likely in the southern and east-central Plains spreading into Missouri and northern Arkansas. Those areas projected to see a greater likelihood of precipitation are the Four Corners, Upper Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Seaboard and the northern tier states in the Northeast from New York to Maine."
Here's the latest drought map from the The Drought Monitor
This map from the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration shows whether the drought has improved or worsened across the country:
More From Business Insider
