The United States faces a severe drought crisis, with over 61% of the Lower 48 states experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions. This is the highest level recorded since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000, with the Southeast and West being particularly affected. The Palmer Drought Severity Index reached its highest March level since 1895, marking the past month as the third-driest on record. Record heat and low snow levels in the West, crucial for summer water storage, are worsening the situation. A separate drought, linked to the jet stream, impacts areas from Texas to the East Coast.