United States Drought Monitor

Map released: Thurs. October 17, 2019

Data valid: October 15, 2019 at 8 a.m. EDT

Intensity:

None
D0 (Abnormally Dry)
D1 (Moderate Drought)
D2 (Severe Drought)
D3 (Extreme Drought)
D4 (Exceptional Drought)
No Data

Author(s):

Richard Heim, NOAA/NCEI

The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summary for forecast statements.

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No text:

Legend:

Legend and statistics table:

Statistics

Estimated Population in Drought Areas:

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Potential Impacts

How well does this table characterize drought impacts in your state? Think an impact is missing? Please fill out this survey to help improve the table.

Category	Impact
D0	Pasture and row crop growth is stunted; planting is delayed
	Fires increase
	Canoe business declines
	Landscaping is stressed; lawns are brown; birds show signs of stress
	River levels decline
D1	Topsoil is dry; corn yield is small; pastures are not growing; crops are stressed
	Urban watering is extensive
	Fire threat increases; burn bans begin
	Pond and river levels decline
D2	Soil cracks are large and deep; corn and soybeans are cut for silage
	Vegetable produce is smaller and yields are decreased
	Trees are stressed
	Surface water levels are very low; low reservoirs are noticeable; voluntary city water restrictions are requested
D3	Corn is high in nitrates; major crop loss is reported; hay and water for cattle is limited; hay is expensive; producers are hauling water
	Burn bans are common; fires spread easily
	Mature tree death is common; insect populations decrease; fish kills occur
	Building foundation damage occurs
	Ponds are dried; wells are drying; large lakes and reservoirs are extremely low; mandatory water restrictions are implemented
D4	Agriculture loss is widespread
	Cattle sales increase; cattle are lighter at auctions; producers are culling; premature birthing is reported
	Bird hunting decreases
	People are in a state of desperation
	Landscape goes dormant
	People are digging deeper and more wells, extending pipelines; Lack of hydropower causes electrical failures

Drought Impact Reporter

How is drought affecting you? Submit drought impact and condition reports via the Drought Impact Reporter.

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The U.S. Drought Monitor is produced through a partnership between the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.