Drought Conditions in the U.S.: Causes, Impacts, and Future Outlook

Introduction

Drought is one of the most persistent and devastating natural disasters affecting the United States. Unlike hurricanes or tornadoes, which have immediate and highly visible impacts, drought develops over time, gradually reducing water availability and creating widespread consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and communities. In this video, we take a deep dive into the current drought conditions in the U.S., exploring what causes droughts, how they impact different regions, and what the future holds as climate change intensifies water scarcity.

What Is a Drought?

A drought is a prolonged period of below-average precipitation that leads to water shortages in soil, rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves. Unlike other weather events, droughts don’t have a clear start or end and can last for months or even years. The severity of a drought is often measured using the U.S. Drought Monitor, which classifies drought intensity from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought).

Types of Droughts

Droughts can be classified into several types, each affecting different aspects of the environment and society:

Meteorological Drought: Occurs when an area receives significantly less rainfall than normal.

Agricultural Drought: Results from insufficient soil moisture, affecting crop growth and livestock.

Hydrological Drought: Happens when lakes, rivers, and groundwater levels decline due to prolonged dry conditions.

Socioeconomic Drought: Impacts industries and communities, leading to water restrictions, economic losses, and food shortages.

droughtmonitor.unl.edu