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Dry Horizons August 2026

Recent snow drought in the West provides a glimpse into the future

Drought can increase the spread of infectious diseases

Brief shows interconnectedness of drought impacts across sectors

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Adobe Stock

July 2026 Drought Summaries

Parts of the Lower 48 see heat records and flash drought conditions

Wildfires ramp up across the West

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Wikimedia Commons

DroughtScape Summer 2026

NDMC graduate students make their mark

Drought improves in parts of the South and Southeast

Report examines water rights in Tribal lands in the U.S.

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What is the U.S. Drought Monitor?

Learn about the beginning and evolution of this valuable tool

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The Drought Center helps people, organizations and institutions build resilience to drought through monitoring and planning, and we are the academic partner and web host of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Our capabilities include climatology, social science and public engagement, and we work at all scales, from individual ranches to local, state and tribal government, and countries around the world.

Education

Learn about drought through the eyes of climatologists, and learn how people are working to prevent the effects of drought.

Planning

Drought is a normal part of nearly every climate on the planet. Planning ahead for variation in water supply helps reduce unpleasant surprises.

Monitoring

What is the best way for you to recognize that you are in drought? Where does your water come from, and who is keeping track of it?