National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

• Home
• Site Map
• News
• Organization
• Search for: NWS All NOAA 

Category Description Possible Impacts D0 Abnormally Dry Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures; fire risk above average. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered. D1 Moderate Drought Some damage to crops, pastures; fire risk high; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent, voluntary water userestrictions requested D2 Severe Drought Crop or pasture losses likely; fire risk very high; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed D3 Extreme Drought Major crop/pasture losses; extreme fire danger; widespread water shortages or restrictions D4 Exceptional Drought Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; exceptional fire risk; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells, creating water emergencies

Drought Monitor Seasonal Outlook

• Climate Prediction Center
• Climate Diagnostics Center
• Colorado Climate Center
• Utah Climate Center
• Western Region Climate Center
• National Climatic Climate Center
• NOAA Drought Information Center
• National Drought Mitigation Center