What is Drought?

Short- and long-term droughts differ in the timescales over which they occur, their impacts, and their monitoring.

Healthy ecological systems support every form of life by providing food, water, and energy; regulating pests, floods, and diseases; supporting spiritual, recreational, and cultural activities; and sustaining other critical functions, including soil formation, pollination, and nutrient cycling. Drought can alter or degrade any or all of these functions and services at a local, landscape, or system scale.

Flash drought intensifies rapidly due to changes in precipitation, temperature, wind, and radiation. These changes in the weather increase evapotranspiration and lower soil moisture. Flash droughts can cause extensive damage to agriculture, economies, and ecosystems if they are not predicted and discovered early.

The 1930s “Dust Bowl” drought remains the most significant drought—meteorological and agricultural—in the United States’ historical record.

Drought monitoring at the national, regional, and local levels is an integral part of drought early warning, planning, and mitigation.

This page offers an assortment of learning opportunities for students and educators who engage with students from the pre-K to post-secondary level. The resources range from in-the-field and hands-on projects to digital resources and online networks. Let us know how Drought.gov is serving you, how you use drought-related information, or what other resources you would like to see on Drought.gov by visiting our Contact Page. We appreciate your input!

The impacts of snow drought are widespread, affecting ecosystems, reservoir levels and operations, water resource management, tourism, and winter recreation.