Drought conditions in the American southwest have been bad — the worst in 1200 years — but it is not just the western states dealing with a dry climate.

NOAA’s spring outlook published earlier this month projects nearly 60% of the continental U.S. experiencing minor to exceptional drought conditions.  Jon Gottschalck, Chief, Operational Prediction Branch, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said that this is the largest drought coverage in the U.S. since 2013.

The agency predicts a prolonged, persistent drought in the West, where below-average precipitation is most likely.

News agencies throughout the country are noticing the effects of the megadrought facing the West. Looking at Lake Powell, CNN published “Incredible before and after photos show just how much this critical reservoir has dried up.”