What Is Drought?

Definition of Drought

A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that can cause water shortages and other problems. Droughts can occur anywhere in the world, and they can last for days, months, or even years.

Characteristics of Drought

Droughts are characterized by a lack of precipitation, which can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Water shortages
• Crop failures
• Fires
• Economic losses

Types of Drought

There are many different types of drought, but the most common are:

• Meteorological drought: This type of drought occurs when there is a lack of precipitation over a period of time.
• Agricultural drought: This type of drought occurs when there is not enough water to meet the needs of crops.
• Hydrological drought: This type of drought occurs when there is a lack of water in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Causes of Drought

Droughts can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Climate change: Climate change is causing the global average temperature to rise, which is leading to more extreme weather events, including droughts.
• La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that can cause droughts in the western United States.
• El Niño: El Niño is a climate pattern that can cause droughts in the eastern United States.

Impacts of Drought

Droughts can have a wide range of impacts, including:

• Water shortages: Droughts can lead to water shortages, which can have a number of consequences, including:
• Reduced crop yields
• Loss of livestock
• Increased risk of wildfires
• Economic losses: Droughts can cause significant economic losses, including:
• Reduced agricultural production
• Increased unemployment
• Reduced tourism

Mitigating the Impacts of Drought

There are a number of ways to mitigate the impacts of drought, including:

• Water conservation: Water conservation measures can help to reduce the demand for water during droughts.
• Drought planning: Drought planning can help communities to prepare for and respond to droughts.
• Drought relief: Drought relief programs can provide assistance to communities that are affected by droughts.