Drought Monitor Update Thursday August 22 2024

Last Updated on August 22 2024 12:44 pm

Use the Condition Monitoring Observer Report (CMOR) system to let us know how dry or wet your area is.

A wide assortment of weather-related features affected the USAPI this past drought week (Wed Aug 7 - Tue Aug 13, 2024).

Current Drought Conditions

According to the August 6, 2024 US Drought Monitor, moderate to exceptional drought covers 18% of the United States.

Based on the Palmer Drought Index, severe to extreme drought affected about 4% of the contiguous US.

The Drought Monitor change map shows where drought has improved (green), is unchanged (gray), or worsened (brown).

Outlook

The 6-10 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows a 33-40% chance of below-normal precipitation for the western US and a 33-40% chance of above-normal precipitation for the eastern US.

The 8-14 day outlook from the International Research Institute for Climate and Society shows a 33-40% chance of below-normal precipitation for the western US and a 33-40% chance of above-normal precipitation for the eastern US.

Impacts

Drought can have a variety of impacts on agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• Agriculture: Drought can reduce crop yields and livestock production.
• Water resources: Drought can lead to water shortages and restrictions.
• Ecosystems: Drought can damage forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems.

Resources

• US Drought Monitor
• Climate Prediction Center
• International Research Institute for Climate and Society