D0 | Agriculture ponds and creeks begin to decline |
Forage crops and pasture are stressed; producers feed livestock early |
Ground is hard |
D1 | Cash crop growth and yield are low |
Fire activity increases |
National forests implement campfire and firework bans |
Streams and ponds are low |
D2 | Burn bans begin |
Crops are damaged, especially dryland corn |
Hydroelectric power decreases; navigation is limited |
Large cracks appear in foundations of homes |
Large surface water levels drop; agricultural ponds and streams have dried up |
Saltwater intrusion occurs in rivers and bays; saltwater wildlife migrate upstream |
D3 | Air quality is poor |
Ground has noticeable cracks; road damage has occurred |
Landscape growth is stunted and needs irrigation; Christmas tree growth is stunted |
Large-scale hay shortages occur; producers sell livestock |
Low flow in rivers and lakes affects recreation |
Soybean pods shatter |
Water mains break daily in large municipalities; water conservation is implemented |
Wildfire count and fire danger continue to increase |
D4 | Lakes are extremely low; large municipalities implement water restrictions; water prices increase |
Trees and shrubs are defoliated; grass is brown; landscaping projects are delayed |
Wildfire count is very high |