KRMG Extreme Weather Alert: 2012 drought 'largest natural disaster ever in the US'

The Department of Agriculture has declared natural disaster areas in more than 1,000 counties in 26 states due to drought, making it the largest natural disaster ever in the U.S.

The declaration covers about half the nation, and gives farmers and ranchers hit hard by the drought access to federal aid, including low-interest emergency loans.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 56 percent of the country experienced drought conditions, the largest percetage in the service's 12-year history.

The drought comes amid record heat, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reporting recently that the six months from January through June was the hottest first half of any year on record for the 48 contiguous U.S. states.