The extreme drought now affects more than 60% of the United States, leaving the worst-hit Midwestern states thirsty for water and hankering for relief.
Drought Across Much of U.S. Leaves Crops Withered and Landscapes Burnt
Danny Wilcox Frazier / Redux for TIME
July 21, 2012. Dried corn fields near Phillipstown in the drought-stricken region of southern Illinois.