Lauren Summer

Mountain snowpack supplies water to millions of people, and dry conditions can set the stage for more extreme wildfires.

Lauren Summer, NPR News.

Fourteen states experienced their warmest or second warmest winter in 131 years of record-keeping.

That's according to a new assessment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

One-third of the U.S.

population experienced the warmest winter daytime highs on record.

That trend was mostly across the Great Plains and western U.S.

High temperatures have led to a low snowpack there, which could have impacts this summer.

Mountain snowpack supplies water to millions of people, and dry conditions can set the stage for more extreme wildfires.

Lauren Summer, NPR News.

David Richardson took over FEMA at a time of turmoil for the agency.

President Trump has said he wants FEMA to be eliminated as it exists today and wants states to take over preparation for disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

Richardson was criticized by lawmakers after the deadly floods in Texas this summer for not being more available as a disaster unfolded.

In a statement, FEMA thanked Richardson for his service and says the agency is anticipating a report from a FEMA review council soon, which will recommend how the agency should be restructured.

Lauren Sommer, NPR News.