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News Release 16-011
Southwest sliding into a new normal: drier conditions
Weather patterns that bring rain becoming less frequent
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The southwestern U.S., much of which is arid, is becoming more dry as weather patterns shift.
Credit: USGCRP
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Weather systems that usually bring moisture to the U.S. Southwest are forming less often.
Credit: Andreas Prein, NCAR
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Cracked, dry earth is common throughout the Southwest's drying waterways.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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The drought that crippled California is by some measures the worst in the state's history.
Credit: NOAA
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Pinyon trees throughout the southwestern U.S. go through die-offs after droughts.
Credit: USGS
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Evergreen pinyon pines turn brown from drought (left). A year later, pine needles are gone (right).
Credit: USGS
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