Data & Maps

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.

Data, Maps, and Tools

Vulnerable populations—people living in neighborhoods with social factors such as poverty, lack of vehicle access, or crowded housing—may be disproportionately affected by drought impacts.

Public Health and Drought Conditions

Social Vulnerability Heat Warnings

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)

High SVI Areas in Drought

U.S. Drought Monitor

Heat Warnings

Areas under Heat Advisories

Areas under Excessive Heat Warnings

Areas under Excessive Heat Watches

U.S. Drought Monitor

Currently, data is only available for the contiguous U.S.

Source(s):

CDC, U.S. Drought Monitor

Source(s):

National Weather Service, U.S. Drought Monitor

Updates Weekly - 01/21/21

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Data and Map Gallery

A collection of tools for observing and monitoring drought impacts on human health.

CDC Social Vulnerability Index

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.

2000 - 2018

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AirNow: Air Quality Index Monitoring and Forecasts

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.

Current conditions, forecasts

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Representative map showing the NWS day 3 forecast daily maximum heat index.

National Weather Service Heat Index Forecasts

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.

Forecasts

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Example map in the Tracking Network Data Explorer showing U.S. drought conditions

National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network

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.

1895 - present

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NOAA Fire and Smoke Products

A selection of NOAA fire and smoke products.

Current Conditions, Historical data (period of record varies)

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Drought Impact Reporter (DIR)

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.

2005 - Present

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Impacts and Related Content

Air Quality

Air quality can decrease during drought events as a result of dust storms or wildfires. Particulates in the air irritate the lungs and bronchial passages and exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions.

Increased Incidence of Illness and Disease

Drought conditions can change how often and where certain diseases occur. For instance, mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus can move to new locations when water bodies become stagnant and create new breeding grounds. Also, there is a higher risk for contracting a lung infection called Valley Fever, caused by a fungus in the soil, in dry and dusty soil conditions.

Mental Health Impacts

Complex relationships between drought and its associated economic consequences can increase mood disorders, domestic violence, and suicide.

By Sector | Public Health

The impacts of drought on hospital admissions and deaths depend on drought severity and the history of droughts in a region. Learn more about drought's impacts on the public health sector.

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