US Plains drought and El Niño risk

A recent report from AccuWeather warns that a strong El Niño, combined with ongoing drought in the northern US Plains, could lead to a 'mini-Dust Bowl' scenario in the next couple of years. The northern Plains states (United States — Colorado, United States — Montana, United States — Nebraska, United States — North Dakota, United States — South Dakota, United States — Wyoming) are already experiencing deep drought, and a strong El Niño typically brings dry weather to that region. This could result in years of extreme heat, significant crop failures, and dust storms. While improved farming techniques make a full repeat of the 1930s Dust Bowl unlikely, the interaction of drought and heat could still cause severe agricultural losses. The western US is in a megadrought, and dust storms are increasing in frequency and severity, costing $154 billion annually in damage. Lakes Mead and Powell are at critically low levels, threatening hydroelectric power and water supply. Experts including Joel Myers (AccuWeather), Stephanie Spera (University of Richmond), Joel Lisonbee (United States — National Integrated Drought Information System), and Marouane Temimi (Stevens Institute of Technology) have commented on the risks. The United States — Presidency of Donald Trump's refusal to acknowledge climate change is noted as a barrier to mitigation.