NIDIS Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Drought Early Warning and Long-Term Drought Resilience
In 2026, NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), established by Public Law (P.L. 109-430), marks a major milestone: 20 years of advancing drought early warning and enhancing long-term drought resilience across the United States. This is more than a milestone—it is a celebration of two decades of innovation, science, collaboration, and service. From farmers and ranchers, water managers, transportation and energy providers, to emergency planners and community leaders, NIDIS has helped decision-makers across the country anticipate, respond to, and adapt to drought and its cascading impacts.
The 20th anniversary celebration begins in April with the launch of the Mid-Atlantic Drought Early Warning System (DEWS), the 9th regional system in the United States dedicated to delivering timely and relevant drought data, information, and decision support products and services. On April 9, NIDIS and partners will host a kick-off strategic planning meeting to formally launch the Mid-Atlantic DEWS, which includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Over the course of the year, NIDIS will expand the national network of regional DEWS to deliver full coverage across the contiguous United States, a landmark step in strengthening our nation’s ability to monitor, forecast, and prepare for drought.
Partnership has been the engine behind that progress. What began with NOAA’s early collaboration with the Western Governors Association in 2004 has grown into a dynamic, nationwide network spanning federal agencies, Tribal Nations, states, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. These partnerships have shaped every milestone along the way. Throughout the year, NIDIS will spotlight these collaborations—sharing the stories behind the bold vision in the 2006 Public Law (and subsequent reauthorizations P.L 113-86 and P.L. 115-423) and how it has been implemented. NOAA, through the leadership and scientific excellence of its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and Climate Program Office (CPO), has been a catalyzing force in helping NIDIS grow into a nationally recognized program that advances drought science, services, and decision-making.
Explore Examples of NIDIS Collaboration:
And while this anniversary honors the past, it is firmly focused on the future. With droughts becoming more complex, far-reaching, and costly, NIDIS and our partners are looking ahead to advance the next generation of early warning and preparedness decision-support systems for decades to come.
Explore Examples of NIDIS-Supported Research:
Stay tuned to Drought.gov and sign up for updates to follow the latest on drought conditions, new tools and resources, and ways to connect with the broadening network of water users and decision-makers dedicated to using the best available information to make informed, timely drought decisions.
