49 states are in drought conditions, threatening water resources and agriculture

By Ignacio Calderon – USA TODAY

Drought conditions have gripped nearly the entire country, with only one state spared as a bone-dry autumn left most states parched.  

In November, Kentucky became the 49th state to cross into drought conditions, leaving only one state – Alaska – drought-free during the week ending November 19, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. States like Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island and South Dakota had 100% of their land area in drought.