Top 5 Sources for Accurate Drought Information
Droughts are one of the most devastating natural calamities that can occur. They can damage crops, reduce the availability of water, and cause widespread ecological disturbances. Therefore, it is crucial to get accurate information about droughts to take the necessary preventive measures. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 sources for accurate drought information.
1. The National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC)
The NDMC is a leading center that provides drought information in the United States. It has a comprehensive website that offers drought monitoring, forecasting, and planning resources. The NDMC’s products include maps, data, and monthly drought outlooks that provide information on current drought conditions and predictions for the future. The website also offers drought impact reports that provide information on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of drought.
2. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA is a leading scientific agency that provides information on the environment and climate. It has a dedicated website that provides drought information as well. It offers data on drought conditions, forecasts, and monitoring. NOAA’s website also includes a drought outlook section that provides information on the probability of drought in the future. Additionally, NOAA’s drought portal includes tools and resources for decision-making related to drought.
3. United States Drought Portal
The United States Drought Portal is a partnership of several federal agencies that provide drought information in the United States. It offers information on drought conditions, forecasts, impacts, and planning. The website provides a national drought map that shows current and projected drought conditions. Additionally, the portal offers drought forecasting tools that help agencies and individuals plan for drought-related events.
4. The USGS WaterWatch
The USGS WaterWatch is a real-time water information system that provides drought and streamflow information in the United States. It offers current and historical maps, graphs, and tables that show water levels, precipitation, and other hydrological data. The website also provides alerts for drought, flood, and other hydrological events that help water managers and decision-makers.
5. The Drought.gov
The Drought.gov is a website maintained by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). It provides information on drought conditions, impacts, and planning resources. The website offers real-time maps of drought conditions and forecasts for the United States. Additionally, the website provides decision-making tools and resources for drought planning and management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accurate drought information is critical for decision-making and planning related to drought. The National Drought Mitigation Center, NOAA, United States Drought Portal, USGS WaterWatch, and Drought.gov are the top 5 sources for obtaining accurate drought information. These sources offer a comprehensive range of tools, resources, and data that help individuals and agencies plan for drought-related events.