Large Swaths Of California Under Extreme Drought Conditions

VISALIA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Dairy cows, which consume a significant amount of water, gather at a farm on July 05, 2022 in Visalia, California. According to a new report by the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 97% of the state of California's land area is in at least severe drought status, with 60% in at least extreme drought and the driest 12% in exceptional drought. The drought conditions are stressing the water needs of both farms and residents and leading to a surge in fires throughout the state, Americas largest state in population. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)