Public Health
Some health effects of drought are easy to observe and measure, but drought’s slow rise can result in indirect health implications that are more difficult to recognize.
Drought and Public Health

Over the last century, droughts have caused more deaths internationally than any other weather- or climate-related disaster. In the United States, drought impacts on public health include changes in air quality, changes in water quality and quantity, increased incidence of illness and disease, and mental health effects.
This map shows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) designations alongside current drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor. The SVI uses 15 U.S. census variables at tract level (e.g., poverty, lack of vehicle access, crowded housing) to help local officials identify communities that may need support in preparing for or recovering from hazards, like drought. Learn more.
This map shows current National Weather Service Heat Advisories, Excessive Heat Watches, and Excessive Heat Warnings alongside drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor. View all current warnings on Weather.gov.
Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
U.S. Drought Monitor
Heat Warnings
U.S. Drought Monitor
CDC's Social Vulnerability Index uses 15 census variables at tract level to help local officials identify communities that may need support in preparing for hazards or recovering from disaster.
AirNow is a one-stop source for air quality data, including current and forecast air quality maps and data for more than 500 cities across the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues heat index forecasts for days 3–7, including daily maximum heat index, daily mean heat index, and daily minimum heat index forecasts.
The National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network brings together data on environments and hazards, health effects, and population health from national, state, and city sources.
A selection of NOAA fire and smoke products.
Drought Impacts Reporter (DIR): an interactive database of drought impacts in the U.S., by location, data, type, and cost built from stakeholder, government, media and other reports.
Public Health Research and Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Drought and Health
CDC | Preparing for the Health Effects of Drought: A Resource Guide for Public Health Professionals (PDF)
CDC | Health Implications of Drought
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | AirNow Air Quality
EPA | Natural Disasters Resource
NOAA | National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS)
NOAA | National Weather Service | Heat Safety Tips and Resources
Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Heat Safety Tool