More than three-fourths of Texas is in the worst stage of drought as lack of rainfall and sizzling temperatures bake the state in its worst dry spell in decades.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday showed 75.5 percent of the state in exceptional drought, a 50 percent increase in just seven weeks.
Texas is coming off it driest nine-month period ever and had its hottest June on record.
The map's driest category means there are exceptional and widespread crop and pasture losses, and shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells.
Cities across Texas are seeing triple-digit heat. On Tuesday, Lubbock broke a 77-year-old record with the 30th day this year of temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
