Drought looks different based on where and when it occurs, how long it lasts, and whom it affects, which is why drought experts often say, “all droughts are local.” These reasons help explain why no single accepted definition of drought exists. In the most general sense, drought can be defined as an extended period of time when the water availability is less than expected, resulting in supply shortages for some activity or group. Shortages can occur due to changes in the amount of rain or snow that has fallen, shifts in its timing relative to the need, or increased evaporation caused by high temperatures.
Because drought’s definition includes a demand component, drought means different things to different people. In fact, scientists have found more than 150 published definitions of drought. To simplify discussions, drought definitions are frequently classified into five perspectives – meteorological, agricultural, hydrologic, ecological, and socio-economic drought.
Drought can mean different things to different people. Click on a perspective to learn more.
Drought can mean different things to different people.
Click on a perspective to learn more.
Drought can mean different things to different people.
Click on a perspective to learn more.
What is the normal amount of precipitation your region, state or home receives over a given period of time? That answer is based upon data that has been collected in the U.S. for decades, and abnormally low amounts of precipitation, along with above average temperature and winds, can lead to meteorological drought. It is expressed in relation to the average conditions for a region, since precipitation is highly variable from region to region, and it can begin and end rapidly.
What is the normal amount of precipitation your region, state or home receives over a given period of time? That answer is based upon data that has been collected in the U.S. for decades, and abnormally low amounts of precipitation, along with above average temperature and winds, can lead to meteorological drought. It is expressed in relation to the average conditions for a region, since precipitation is highly variable from region to region, and it can begin and end rapidly.
What is the normal amount of precipitation your region, state or home receives over a given period of time? That answer is based upon data that has been collected in the U.S. for decades, and abnormally low amounts of precipitation, along with above average temperature and winds, can lead to meteorological drought. It is expressed in relation to the average conditions for a region, since precipitation is highly variable from region to region, and it can begin and end rapidly.
Crop and livestock producers are particularly susceptible to drought. When crops, hay, and other plant life suffer as the result of rain and snow shortage, lack of soil moisture or evaporative demands, agricultural drought can occur. This type of drought is also dependent upon plant type, stage of growth, and soil properties.
Crop and livestock producers are particularly susceptible to drought. When crops, hay, and other plant life suffer as the result of rain and snow shortage, lack of soil moisture or evaporative demands, agricultural drought can occur. This type of drought is also dependent upon plant type, stage of growth, and soil properties.
Crop and livestock producers are particularly susceptible to drought. When crops, hay, and other plant life suffer as the result of rain and snow shortage, lack of soil moisture or evaporative demands, agricultural drought can occur. This type of drought is also dependent upon plant type, stage of growth, and soil properties.
Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of rain and snow shortfalls on streamflow, reservoir and lake levels, and groundwater. Because it takes longer for precipitation deficiencies to show up in other components of the hydrological system, this type of drought can be out of phase with the other types of drought.
Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of rain and snow shortfalls on streamflow, reservoir and lake levels, and groundwater. Because it takes longer for precipitation deficiencies to show up in other components of the hydrological system, this type of drought can be out of phase with the other types of drought.
Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of rain and snow shortfalls on streamflow, reservoir and lake levels, and groundwater. Because it takes longer for precipitation deficiencies to show up in other components of the hydrological system, this type of drought can be out of phase with the other types of drought.
On average, a drought disaster costs nearly $10 billion in losses and damage. Socio-economic drought takes into consideration the lost production of agricultural products; hydroelectric energy generation; ethanol production; how supply and demand are impacted by drought; and numerous other items.
On average, a drought disaster costs nearly $10 billion in losses and damage. Socio-economic drought takes into consideration the lost production of agricultural products; hydroelectric energy generation; ethanol production; how supply and demand are impacted by drought; and numerous other items.
On average, a drought disaster costs nearly $10 billion in losses and damage. Socio-economic drought takes into consideration the lost production of agricultural products; hydroelectric energy generation; ethanol production; how supply and demand are impacted by drought; and numerous other items.
Ecological drought emphasizes the link between people and nature in the context of drought. It captures the environmental consequences of drought and its feedback into natural and human systems.
Ecological drought emphasizes the link between people and nature in the context of drought. It captures the environmental consequences of drought and its feedback into natural and human systems.
Ecological drought emphasizes the link between people and nature in the context of drought. It captures the environmental consequences of drought and its feedback into natural and human systems.
Once you move beyond generalizations, drought quickly becomes complex. Its unique characteristics create challenges for planners that differ from other hazards such as tornadoes or hurricanes.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: In general, drought occurs when less rain or snow than normally expected falls over an extended period of time and causes water supply shortages. But the amount normally expected varies regionally and drought means different things to different people in different places. Drought’s myriad definitions can create differing opinions regarding the presence and severity of drought.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: In general, drought occurs when less rain or snow than normally expected falls over an extended period of time and causes water supply shortages. But the amount normally expected varies regionally and drought means different things to different people in different places. Drought’s myriad definitions can create differing opinions regarding the presence and severity of drought.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can highlight past occurrences of drought to show when they have occurred throughout history and the effects that they have had.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Challenge: In general, drought occurs when less rain or snow than normally expected falls over an extended period of time and causes water supply shortages. But the amount normally expected varies regionally and drought means different things to different people in different places. Drought’s myriad definitions can create differing opinions regarding the presence and severity of drought.
Challenge: Drought’s onset and end can be difficult to determine, and may cause scientists and policymakers to disagree on when either is declared. Because droughts can last months or even years, communities may have to cope with water shortages for long periods and face uncertainty as to how they will last.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to help identify, prioritize, and address the uncertainties that arise in water resources planning.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can include a wide-range of impacts, occurring over a compressed time-frame helping participants consider comprehensive planning and response strategies.
Challenge: Drought impacts may be local, affecting only those in the drought-stricken area, or they may be widespread. Because a prolonged water shortage has so many impacts, some effects (on the ecosystem or economy, for instance) may lag behind initial rain or snow deficits. Drought is often referred to as an “invisible” hazard because its effects are less obvious than other hazards.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to engage participants with differing backgrounds and interests to help them better understand what drought means to others.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to promote collaborative planning and test policies.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: In general, drought occurs when less rain or snow than normally expected falls over an extended period of time and causes water supply shortages. But the amount normally expected varies regionally and drought means different things to different people in different places. Drought’s myriad definitions can create differing opinions regarding the presence and severity of drought.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to engage participants with differing backgrounds and interests to help them better understand what drought means to others.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: In general, drought occurs when less rain or snow than normally expected falls over an extended period of time and causes water supply shortages. But the amount normally expected varies regionally and drought means different things to different people in different places. Drought’s myriad definitions can create differing opinions regarding the presence and severity of drought.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to engage participants with differing backgrounds and interests to help them better understand what drought means to others.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can highlight past occurrences of drought to show when they have occurred throughout history and the effects that they have had.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can highlight past occurrences of drought to show when they have occurred throughout history and the effects that they have had.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Policymakers often view drought as a rare, random phenomenon instead of a recurring climate event.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can highlight past occurrences of drought to show when they have occurred throughout history and the effects that they have had.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Drought’s onset and end can be difficult to determine, and may cause scientists and policymakers to disagree on when either is declared. Because droughts can last months or even years, communities may have to cope with water shortages for long periods and face uncertainty as to how they will last.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to help identify, prioritize, and address the uncertainties that arise in water resources planning.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Drought’s onset and end can be difficult to determine, and may cause scientists and policymakers to disagree on when either is declared. Because droughts can last months or even years, communities may have to cope with water shortages for long periods and face uncertainty as to how they will last.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to help identify, prioritize, and address the uncertainties that arise in water resources planning.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Drought’s onset and end can be difficult to determine, and may cause scientists and policymakers to disagree on when either is declared. Because droughts can last months or even years, communities may have to cope with water shortages for long periods and face uncertainty as to how they will last.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to help identify, prioritize, and address the uncertainties that arise in water resources planning.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Drought impacts may be local, affecting only those in the drought-stricken area, or they may be widespread. Because a prolonged water shortage has so many impacts, some effects (on the ecosystem or economy, for instance) may lag behind initial rain or snow deficits. Drought is often referred to as an “invisible” hazard because its effects are less obvious than other hazards.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can include a wide-range of impacts, occurring over a compressed time-frame helping participants consider comprehensive planning and response strategies.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Drought impacts may be local, affecting only those in the drought-stricken area, or they may be widespread. Because a prolonged water shortage has so many impacts, some effects (on the ecosystem or economy, for instance) may lag behind initial rain or snow deficits. Drought is often referred to as an “invisible” hazard because its effects are less obvious than other hazards.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can include a wide-range of impacts, occurring over a compressed time-frame helping participants consider comprehensive planning and response strategies.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: Drought impacts may be local, affecting only those in the drought-stricken area, or they may be widespread. Because a prolonged water shortage has so many impacts, some effects (on the ecosystem or economy, for instance) may lag behind initial rain or snow deficits. Drought is often referred to as an “invisible” hazard because its effects are less obvious than other hazards.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can include a wide-range of impacts, occurring over a compressed time-frame helping participants consider comprehensive planning and response strategies.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to promote collaborative planning and test policies.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to promote collaborative planning and test policies.
Drought’s Unique Characteristics
Click on a characteristic to learn about why it challenges planners and
to see opportunities that scenario-based exercises offer to tackle these challenges.
Challenge: The responsibilities for managing and protecting water resources cross political boundaries and are divided among all levels of government.
Opportunity: Scenario-based exercises can be used to promote collaborative planning and test policies.