The U.S. Drought Portal | Drought.gov
Source: https://www.drought.gov
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:01
The U.S. Drought Portal | Drought.gov
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The Southeast Faces Significant Drought Impacts from Long-Term Dry Conditions
Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1-D4) conditions cover 96.83% of the Southeast, and the entire region has precipitation deficits dating back to July 2025. Read more in this Southeast drought status update.
Featured News and Articles
A March Meltdown: Historically Low Snowpack Melts Across the West
NIDIS Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Drought Early Warning
Evaporative Stress Can Help Detect Flash Drought in the Southeast
How is drought affecting your neighborhood?
Advancing Drought Science and Preparedness Across the Nation
The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is a multi-agency partnership that coordinates drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information at national, tribal, state, and local levels.
Current Conditions
U.S. Drought Monitor
30-Day Precipitation
30-Day Temperature
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country using 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Source(s):
NDMC
,
NOAA
,
USDA
,
NASA
This map shows precipitation for the past 30 days as a percentage of the historical average (1991–2020) for the same time period. Green/blue shades indicate above-normal precipitation, while brown shades indicate below-normal precipitation.
Source(s):
UC Merced
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature for the past 30 days compared to the historical average (1991–2020) for the same 30 days. Negative values (
blue hues
) indicate colder than normal temperatures, and positive values (
red hues
) indicate warmer than normal temperatures.
Source(s):
UC Merced
A
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
U.S. Drought Monitor Category
% of U.S.
13.8
Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought.
16.0
Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
21.0
Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
13.5
Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
1.9
Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
52.4
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)
Percent area of the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Precipitation Shown as a Percentage of Normal Conditions
<25% of Normal
Precipitation was only
0% to 25%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
25%–50% of Normal
Precipitation was
25% to 50%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
50%–75% of Normal
Precipitation was
50% to 75%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
75%–100% of Normal
Precipitation was
75% to 100%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
100%
100%–150% of Normal
Precipitation was
100% to 150%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
150%–200% of Normal
Precipitation was
150% to 200%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
200%–300% of Normal
Precipitation was
200% to 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
>300% of Normal
Precipitation was
greater than 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
>8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F colder than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F colder than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F colder than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F colder than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F colder than normal
for this location.
0–1°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F colder than normal
for this location.
0
0–1°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F warmer than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F warmer than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F warmer than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F warmer than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
>8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country using 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
This map shows precipitation for the past 30 days as a percentage of the historical average (1991–2020) for the same time period. Green/blue shades indicate above-normal precipitation, while brown shades indicate below-normal precipitation.
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature for the past 30 days compared to the historical average (1991–2020) for the same 30 days. Negative values (
blue hues
) indicate colder than normal temperatures, and positive values (
red hues
) indicate warmer than normal temperatures.
Source(s):
NDMC
,
NOAA
,
USDA
,
NASA
Source(s):
UC Merced
Source(s):
UC Merced
The U.S. Drought Monitor map is released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7 am Eastern.
Precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
A
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Updates Weekly:
04/21/26
Data Valid:
04/18/26
Data Valid:
04/20/26
Current Conditions
U.S. Drought Monitor map details and information:
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn more about these data
Drought by Sector
Agriculture
Ecosystems
Energy
Hazard Planning & Preparedness
Manufacturing
Navigation and Transportation
Public Health
Recreation and Tourism
Water Utilities
Wildfire Management
Upcoming Events
Apr
27
2026
Pacific Northwest DEWS April Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar
Apr
28
2026
April Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
Apr
29
2026
Soil Moisture Seminar Series: Soil Moisture Utility for Monitoring Wildfire Behavior and Impacts
Regional Drought Updates
April 16, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Southeast
April 9, 2026
Snow Drought Current Conditions and Impacts in the West
April 2, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
March 26, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Midwest
March 12, 2026
Snow Drought Current Conditions and Impacts in the West
February 26, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
See all updates
News
Site Section
News & Events
NIDIS Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Drought Early Warning and Long-Term Drought Resilience
In 2026, NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), established by Public Law (P.L. 109-430), marks a major milestone: 20 years of advancing drought early warning and enhancing long-term drought resilience across the United States. This is more than a milestone—it is a celebration of two decades of innovation, science, collaboration, and service. From farmers and ranchers,
Site Section
News & Events
Evaporative Stress Can Help Detect Flash Drought in the Southeast
Flash droughts can develop quickly, often in just a few weeks, making them especially difficult to monitor in places like the southeastern United States. This creates a challenge for drought monitoring systems that are often better suited to slower-developing droughts.In humid regions such as Alabama, drought conditions can emerge even though annual rainfall is relatively high, because hot
Site Section
News & Events
New NOAA El Niño-Southern Oscillation Index Supports Drought Early Warning
The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) has traditionally been NOAA's official measure, or index, to track the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ONI is calculated as the rolling 3-month average sea surface temperature departure from average (anomaly) in the east-central tropical Pacific Ocean. The warmer-than-average phase of ENSO is called El Niño, the cooler-than-average phase is called La Niña,
Skip to main content
The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
The site is secure.
The
https://
ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
The Southeast Faces Significant Drought Impacts from Long-Term Dry Conditions
Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1-D4) conditions cover 96.83% of the Southeast, and the entire region has precipitation deficits dating back to July 2025. Read more in this Southeast drought status update.
Featured News and Articles
A March Meltdown: Historically Low Snowpack Melts Across the West
NIDIS Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Drought Early Warning
Evaporative Stress Can Help Detect Flash Drought in the Southeast
How is drought affecting your neighborhood?
Advancing Drought Science and Preparedness Across the Nation
The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is a multi-agency partnership that coordinates drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information at national, tribal, state, and local levels.
Current Conditions
U.S. Drought Monitor
30-Day Precipitation
30-Day Temperature
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country using 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Source(s):
NDMC
,
NOAA
,
USDA
,
NASA
This map shows precipitation for the past 30 days as a percentage of the historical average (1991–2020) for the same time period. Green/blue shades indicate above-normal precipitation, while brown shades indicate below-normal precipitation.
Source(s):
UC Merced
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature for the past 30 days compared to the historical average (1991–2020) for the same 30 days. Negative values (
blue hues
) indicate colder than normal temperatures, and positive values (
red hues
) indicate warmer than normal temperatures.
Source(s):
UC Merced
A
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
U.S. Drought Monitor Category
% of U.S.
13.8
Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought.
16.0
Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
21.0
Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
13.5
Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
1.9
Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
52.4
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)
Percent area of the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Precipitation Shown as a Percentage of Normal Conditions
<25% of Normal
Precipitation was only
0% to 25%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
25%–50% of Normal
Precipitation was
25% to 50%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
50%–75% of Normal
Precipitation was
50% to 75%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
75%–100% of Normal
Precipitation was
75% to 100%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
100%
100%–150% of Normal
Precipitation was
100% to 150%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
150%–200% of Normal
Precipitation was
150% to 200%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
200%–300% of Normal
Precipitation was
200% to 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
>300% of Normal
Precipitation was
greater than 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
>8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F colder than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F colder than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F colder than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F colder than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F colder than normal
for this location.
0–1°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F colder than normal
for this location.
0
0–1°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F warmer than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F warmer than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F warmer than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F warmer than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
>8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country using 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
This map shows precipitation for the past 30 days as a percentage of the historical average (1991–2020) for the same time period. Green/blue shades indicate above-normal precipitation, while brown shades indicate below-normal precipitation.
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature for the past 30 days compared to the historical average (1991–2020) for the same 30 days. Negative values (
blue hues
) indicate colder than normal temperatures, and positive values (
red hues
) indicate warmer than normal temperatures.
Source(s):
NDMC
,
NOAA
,
USDA
,
NASA
Source(s):
UC Merced
Source(s):
UC Merced
The U.S. Drought Monitor map is released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7 am Eastern.
Precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
A
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Learn More
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Learn More
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Learn More
Updates Weekly:
04/21/26
Data Valid:
04/18/26
Data Valid:
04/20/26
Current Conditions
U.S. Drought Monitor map details and information:
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn more about these data
Drought by Sector
Agriculture
Ecosystems
Energy
Hazard Planning & Preparedness
Manufacturing
Navigation and Transportation
Public Health
Recreation and Tourism
Water Utilities
Wildfire Management
Upcoming Events
Apr
27
2026
Pacific Northwest DEWS April Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar
Apr
28
2026
April Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
Apr
29
2026
Soil Moisture Seminar Series: Soil Moisture Utility for Monitoring Wildfire Behavior and Impacts
Regional Drought Updates
April 16, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Southeast
April 9, 2026
Snow Drought Current Conditions and Impacts in the West
April 2, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
March 26, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Midwest
March 12, 2026
Snow Drought Current Conditions and Impacts in the West
February 26, 2026
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
See all updates
News
Site Section
News & Events
NIDIS Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Drought Early Warning and Long-Term Drought Resilience
In 2026, NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), established by Public Law (P.L. 109-430), marks a major milestone: 20 years of advancing drought early warning and enhancing long-term drought resilience across the United States. This is more than a milestone—it is a celebration of two decades of innovation, science, collaboration, and service. From farmers and ranchers,
Site Section
News & Events
Evaporative Stress Can Help Detect Flash Drought in the Southeast
Flash droughts can develop quickly, often in just a few weeks, making them especially difficult to monitor in places like the southeastern United States. This creates a challenge for drought monitoring systems that are often better suited to slower-developing droughts.In humid regions such as Alabama, drought conditions can emerge even though annual rainfall is relatively high, because hot
Site Section
News & Events
New NOAA El Niño-Southern Oscillation Index Supports Drought Early Warning
The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) has traditionally been NOAA's official measure, or index, to track the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ONI is calculated as the rolling 3-month average sea surface temperature departure from average (anomaly) in the east-central tropical Pacific Ocean. The warmer-than-average phase of ENSO is called El Niño, the cooler-than-average phase is called La Niña,