“This is on pace for a record dry October."

Allison Santorelli, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, regarding the lack of precipitation this month. More than 100 different long-term weather stations in 26 states, including Alaska, are having their driest October on record. In June, less than 12 percent of the country was experiencing drought, but now it’s almost 50 percent, and growing. (Associated Press — Oct. 29, 2024)