The chances of a «megadrought» hitting the American Southwest over a period of more than 30 years has reached 50%, according to a new study.
The research, prepared by Cornell University, the University of Arizona and the US Geological Institute, indicates that the states of New Mexico, Arizona and California would be the most affected by such a drought.
The scientists, who used projections from climate models to draw their conclusions, also noted that the chances of a drought in the southwestern US lasting for more than 10 years have been warned at 80%.
As BBC Mundo journalist Jaime González recalls from Los Angeles, California is currently going through the worst drought on record in the area, with nearly 80% of the state’s territory experiencing extremely dry conditions.