Long-term moisture deficits, soil moisture, and drought intensity maps worldwide
This drought monitor displays current drought conditions worldwide, classifying regions by severity from abnormally dry through exceptional drought. Users searching for drought map, drought near me, or soil moisture can see classification levels, precipitation deficits, and outlook for recovery.
Meteorological drought is defined by below-normal precipitation over a sustained period. Agricultural drought develops when soil moisture falls below crop requirements during growing season. Hydrological drought involves reduced streamflow, lower reservoir levels, and depleted groundwater. Socioeconomic drought emerges when water supply cannot meet human demand, leading to rationing, crop failure, and economic stress. The same dry spell can trigger all four sequentially as deficits accumulate.
The US Drought Monitor uses five intensity categories from D0 (abnormally dry) through D1, D2, D3, and D4 (exceptional drought). Classification combines the Palmer Drought Severity Index, Standardized Precipitation Index, soil moisture anomalies, streamflow, and on-the-ground observations. International equivalents include the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), which incorporates temperature-driven evaporative demand alongside rainfall.
Rising temperatures increase atmospheric demand for water, intensifying drought even where precipitation totals stay constant. Megadroughts lasting decades have struck the American Southwest in recent years — the 2000–2022 period was the driest 22-year period in the region in at least 1,200 years according to tree-ring reconstructions. Mediterranean climates worldwide are projected to dry further in coming decades.
Drought drives crop failures, livestock losses, hydroelectric shortfalls, increased wildfire activity, and water-use restrictions. Long-term drought stresses urban water systems, agricultural economies, and ecosystem health. Adaptation strategies include water conservation, drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation efficiency, groundwater management, and demand-side measures during severe events.
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