2022 U.S. Drought and Heat Webinar: The Southern Plains
On July 21, NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) co-hosted two webinars in collaboration with their federal, tribal, state, and local partners, focused on drought and heat in the West and the Southern Plains.
The second webinar, held from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. CT on July 21, focused on the Southern Plains (Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas).
This webinar provided the latest information on current drought, heat, and fire conditions and forecasts, as well as the serious impacts to diverse sectors of the economy and communities throughout the West. Perspectives from those on the ground who are responding to these worsening drought and heat conditions were also shared.
Over 75% of the Western U.S. and Southern Plains are in drought, according to the June 7 U.S. Drought Monitor. But that 75% only tells a portion of the story.
Drought has rapidly expanded over the past 9+ months to cover a significant portion of the Southern Plains. This is particularly evident in Texas where dryness and record-setting heat have led to the worst drought conditions since 2012, with major impacts to agriculture.
For more information, please contact Adam Lang (adam.lang@noaa.gov).
