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	Rangeland conditions decline
D1	Pasture and crop growth are stunted
D1	Surface water levels decline
D2	Crop yields are low; ethanol production decreases and plants begin to close
	Fires increase; firework restrictions are possible
	Roadside haying begins
	Well levels are dropping; mandatory surface water irrigation restrictions are implemented; water use is high
D3	Hay is scarce and expensive; producers are selling cattle early and culling; horses are abandoned
	Pavement is cracking
	Fish kills claim thousands of fish; drought-tolerant trees are dying
	Water temperatures are high; Platte River is dry in sections; water recreation is limited
	Groundwater use increases; new irrigation wells are drilled
D4	Crop germination is stunted; high levels of nitrate are found in corn
	Auctions have record number of cattle
	Wildfire season is destructive and costly
	Severe case of EHD is observed in deer population; deer hunting is down
	Municipality water supply is low; trade navigation is hindered on major rivers due to low flow and obstructions

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.