Severe Drought Grows Critical in Southeast U.S.

The Southeast U.S. continues in the grip of a withering drought, with problems likely to occasion a shortage of drinking water in about 90 days. The Associated Press article detailing the potential disaster says:

"But little rain is in the forecast, and without it climatologists say the water source for more than 3 million people could run dry in just 90 days. That dire prediction has some towns considering more drastic measures than mere lawn-watering bans, including mandatory rationing that would penalize homeowners and businesses if they don't reduce water usage."

It adds:

"The only spots in the region not suffering from abnormally dry conditions are parts of southern and eastern Florida and southeast Georgia. Government forecasters say the drought started in parts of Georgia and Alabama in early 2006 and spread quickly. Sweltering temperatures and a drier-than-normal hurricane season contributed to the parched landscape."

What will become of the Southeast in the next three months depends entirely on this new weather pattern (which is entirely unpredictable). As the drought parches the region further, I will try to keep a brief update of the developments online here.

This may be a buying opportunity for Baskin Robbins stock. I can't help it. I am a capitalist.