NIDIS is partnering with the Physical Sciences Division of the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory to examine the causes, predictability, and historical behavior of this and other droughts over the Northern Plains. Drought in the Northern Plains is understudied relative to other regions of the United States, and this study will help to lay a foundation of understanding of what aspects of the region’s droughts are predictable. 

The Drought-Ready Communities pilot project culminated in summer 2010 with this guide to community drought preparedness, which communities throughout the U.S. can use the guide to understand and reduce their drought risk.The process outlined is broad-based, recognizing that drought creates problems that go beyond the scope of what water suppliers alone can address. With that in mind, the guide provides worksheets, planning tips, and case studies to help communities hone in on processes and solutions to drought.

January 2018 drought outlook for the states of California and Nevada. This two page document includes current drought conditions, a regional climate update, drought and climate outlook, and insight into the role drought might have played in the recent California wildfires.

This National Drought Mitigation Center paper outlines 10 key steps for effective drought planning.

A workshop was held in August 2014, at University of California San Diego/Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Thirty-two representatives from multiple agencies met for three days to scope out an appraisal-level FIRO study. A work plan is now being drafted for release in early 2015. The FIRO study is expected to occur over the next five years (depending on funding).

Summarizes Feb 26-27, 2014 meeting in Nebraska City, Nebraska, to kick off Missouri River Basin DEWS. Attended by representatives of more than 70 federal, state, tribal, academic, regional and national institutions to discuss the current state of drought awareness, planning and capacity across the Missouri River Basin. The goal is to create a Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) in the region.

The California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) Strategic Plan outlines priority tasks and activities that build upon existing stakeholder networks to improve drought early warning capacity and long-term resilience in California and Nevada. It includes a list of current partners, outcomes, and key milestones. This Plan is a “living document” to which additional actions and partners may be added as needed.

An summary of an assessment of operational and experimental forecast system skill and reliability in the Missouri River Basin. 

On December 12-13, 2012, the National Drought Forum was held at the Hall of States in Washington, D.C. The Forum was planned and coordinated by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) Program Office, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Forum was co-sponsored by the following agencies and organizations:

This State of Knowledge Report provides a synthesis and analysis of the peer-reviewed literature regarding drought impacts on coastal ecosystems in the Carolinas. Its objective is to expand current, limited understanding of drought impacts on coastal ecosystems, to identify critical gaps, to inform future research efforts, and to suggest measures to facilitate drought adaptation for ecosystems. The report centers on biological, chemical, and physical impacts and is not meant to address social impacts.