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	Crop germination is poor
D0	Grass fires increase
D1	Crops and pastures are water stressed; farmers are encouraged to have a drought plan
	Fire danger increases
	Grasshopper infestation occurs
	Pond and creek levels begin to decline; more nesting areas are available for birds
D2	Soil moisture is low; pasture and rangeland is dry; crop conditions are poor; hay yields are low; cattle are sold
	Open burn and firework restrictions are implemented; fire activity intensifies
	Conditions are dusty; air quality is poor
	Fertilizer sales are low at elevators
	River flow is decreased; stock dams are low
D3	Crops stop growing; pastures go dormant, emergency haying of conservation areas is authorized
	Blue-green algae blooms cause cattle death
	Large wildfires burn
	Fairs have fewer entries; public meetings are scheduled with government officials to discuss drought
D4	Wheat is baled for hay; numerous tests are conducted on water nitrate level and quality and high nitrate levels in forage; farm service agency increases staffing; producers cull cattle
	Wildfires are immense; rural/volunteer fire departments are stressed; rural fire departments run out of funding
	Fewer hunting permits are issued
	Local economy is at a standstill

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.