Across the United States, significant drought extended from the Desert Southwest eastward through the Southern Plains. Exceptional drought classification continued through parts of Texas and into adjacent sections of Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
 U.S. Drought Monitor |
 African Weather Assessment |
A severe long-term drought continued throughout southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia, northeastern Kenya, as well as adjacent areas of eastern Uganda and Tanzania. Drought in Somalia was characterized as the worst in a decade (UNICEF). In all, an estimated 11 million people in East Africa and the Horn of Africa continued to face critical food shortages brought about in part by the continuing drought (IRIN). For the latest African analysis and forecast, see the Famine Early Warning System Network. |
A large dust storm affected areas of north Africa and adjacent areas of the eastern Mediterranean region during late February, producing major reductions in visibility over a large area. |
 North Africa Dust Storm |