Identifying and Quantifying Triggers, Time Scales, and Tools to Support Management of Different Drought Types in the Northeastern United States

This objective of this project, led by researchers from the Desert Research Institute, University of Colorado, and Cornell University, is to identify the most effective drought indicators for hydrologic and agricultural drought monitoring in the Northeast drought early warning system (DEWS) region. This includes identifying appropriate time scales related to long-term and short-term drought, and identifying responsive indicators of flash drought development. Another objective is to quantify historical snow droughts, including determining the most appropriate methods and data sources for snow drought analysis given the lack of monitoring stations that measure snow water equivalent, and identifying impacts on summer droughts. Results from the study will be disseminated to the Northeast DEWS developers through partnerships with the Northeast Regional Climate Center and other stakeholders.