New study finds the Southwest might be facing ‘megadrought’

PHOENIX — A new study by The University of Arizona, Cornell University and the U.S. Geological Survey says the chances of a “megadrought” that runs 35 years or more ranges from 30 to 40 percent over the next century in the Grand Canyon State.

Arizona State University climate expert Randy Cerveny said the region has been in a megadrought before — the last happening about 400 years ago.

“It was incredibly destructive to the Native American population that was here at that time,” Cerveny said. “But we haven’t experienced anything since modern settlement.”