Drought

Then
Widespread droughts had afflicted the nation in the past-in 1881, 1894, 1901, 1911, 1916 and 1924-but none had been so severe as the drought that started in the year 1930. Now, over most of America, the sun stared like an evil eye at the earth, beating the soil into powder, scorching grass, drying up ponds and creeks, dooming huge trees. (Ellis)

Now
Drought Grips Parts of South, Midwest
La Nina Drought