Southwest Drought Forum Report: Key Takeaways & Priority Actions

The Southwestern United States, comprising the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, is experiencing an historic, continuing drought. In early 2020, an extreme deficit in precipitation paired with extremely high temperatures marked a low point in two decades of below average precipitation across the region.

In response to these exceptional conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) convened the 2021 Southwest Drought Forum. This Forum brought together over 100 drought experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers to discuss the long-term implications of drought in the Southwest, and offer paths forward towards realizing a sustainable and healthy Southwest region.

The Southwest Drought Forum Report represents the key themes and actions discussed during the Forum, providing a reference point for decision-makers, academic institutions, and government agencies working to build long-term drought resilience in the Southwest.