Severity Levels
Track drought from D0 (Abnormally Dry) to D4 (Exceptional Drought).
Water Resources
Monitor reservoir levels, groundwater, and snowpack conditions.
Agricultural Impact
Track crop stress, livestock impacts, and irrigation restrictions.
Global Coverage
Drought monitoring across all continents and climate zones.
Drought Severity Scale
- D0 - Abnormally Dry - Short-term dryness, minor impacts
- D1 - Moderate Drought - Some crop damage, water shortages developing
- D2 - Severe Drought - Crop losses, water restrictions implemented
- D3 - Extreme Drought - Major crop/pasture losses, water emergencies
- D4 - Exceptional Drought - Widespread crop failure, emergency water measures
Currently Monitored Droughts
Key drought-affected regions worldwide:
- American Southwest - Long-term megadrought
- Horn of Africa - Recurring food security crisis
- Mediterranean Europe - Summer drought conditions
- Australia - Variable drought cycles
- India - Pre-monsoon drought periods
Hazard data sources
Events are aggregated from USGS, EMSC, NOAA, NASA EONET, NASA FIRMS and GDACS, then normalized and deduplicated.
Frequently asked questions
How is drought severity determined?
Drought severity combines multiple indicators: precipitation deficit, soil moisture, streamflow, reservoir levels, and vegetation health.
How long do droughts last?
Droughts can last from weeks (flash drought) to years (megadrought). The American Southwest has been in drought for over 20 years.
What's the difference between drought and dry weather?
Drought is prolonged dry conditions causing water shortage impacts; dry weather is normal seasonal variation.