More than three-quarters of Nebraska is now experiencing drought conditions because of the hot, dry weather.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor maps released Thursday show that
the only part of Nebraska not in a drought is the eastern end of the state. But even that part of Nebraska is abnormally dry.

Climate experts at the National Drought Mitigation Center say the recent dryness is taking a significant toll on crops and pastures nationwide.

The drought center is based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.