"Mississippi River Water Levels Plummet for Second Consecutive Year, Limiting Barge Shipping and Farmers' Crop Movement"

Water levels along the Mississippi River are plummeting for the second year in a row due to extreme drought caused by blistering heat and low rainfall. The low water levels have made a unique rock formation accessible by foot and raised concerns about water supply for farmers and barge deliveries. Exceptional drought has spread across parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, while extreme drought is present in several Midwest states. The drought is impacting tourism, road access, and saltwater intrusion into drinking water systems. The Army Corps of Engineers is increasing the size of a levee in Louisiana to prevent further saltwater intrusion. The treacherously low river is impeding barge traffic and causing transportation costs to soar. Experts warn that these conditions will become more frequent without efficient climate adaptation projects and the phasing out of fossil fuels.