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Lower Colorado Region Watershed Drought Information

Lower Colorado Region Current Conditions

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country. This map shows the drought conditions of the Lower Colorado Region watershed, using a five-category system, from Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions to Exceptional Drought (D4). The USDM is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA. Learn more.

This map shows the departure from normal maximum temperature (°F) over the past 30 days, compared to usual conditions for the same time period averaged from 1991–2020.

This map uses the gridMET and PRISM temperature datasets. Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control. Learn more.

This map shows the percent of normal precipitation for the past 30 days, compared to the usual conditions for the same time period averaged from 1991–2020.

This map uses the gridMET and NLDAS precipitation datasets, and precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days. Learn more.

D0 - Abnormally Dry
  • Short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops.
  • Some lingering water deficits
  • Pastures or crops not fully recovered
0
of Lower Colorado Region
(D0-D4)
D1 - Moderate Drought
  • Some damage to crops, pastures
  • Some water shortages developing
  • Voluntary water-use restrictions requested
0
of Lower Colorado Region
(D1-D4)
D2 - Severe Drought
  • Crop or pasture loss likely
  • Water shortages common
  • Water restrictions imposed
0
of Lower Colorado Region
(D2-D4)
D3 - Extreme Drought
  • Major crop/pasture losses
  • Widespread water shortages or restrictions
0
of Lower Colorado Region
(D3-D4)
D4 - Exceptional Drought
  • Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses
  • Shortages of water creating water emergencies
0
of Lower Colorado Region
(D4)
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color
- -8 #0404ff
-8 - -6 #2166ac
-6 - -4 #4393c3
-4 - -3 #92c5de
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0
-1 - 0 #ffffff
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 1 #ffffff
1 - 3 #fddbc7
3 - 4 #f4a582
4 - 6 #d6604d
6 - 8 #b2182b
8 - #800000
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color
0% - 25% #8c510a
25% - 50% #bf812d
50% - 75% #dfc27d
75% - 100% #f6e8c3
Range Map Hex Color
100% - 150% #c7eae5
150% - 200% #80cdc1
200% - 300% #35978f
300% - #01665e
Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI)
Dry Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
D4 #730000
D3 #E60000
D2 #FFAA00
D1 #FCD37F
D0 #FFFF00
Wet Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
W0 #AAFF55
W1 #01FFFF
W2 #00AAFF
W3 #0000FF
W4 #0000AA

The Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) looks at current drought conditions across the U.S. by integrating several key drought indices on precipitation and moisture into one objective, computer-generated map. 

The Short-Term MIDI approximates drought impacts from changes in precipitation and moisture over a short-term timeframe (looking back up to 90 days), such as impacts to non-irrigated agriculture, topsoil moisture, and range and pasture conditions. Long-term droughts (lasting months to years) can have different impacts.

This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn how this map is made.

Experimental
Dry Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
D4 #730000
D3 #E60000
D2 #FFAA00
D1 #FCD37F
D0 #FFFF00
Wet Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
W0 #AAFF55
W1 #01FFFF
W2 #00AAFF
W3 #0000FF
W4 #0000AA

The Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) looks at current drought conditions across the U.S. by integrating several key drought indices on precipitation and moisture into one objective, computer-generated map. 

The Long-Term MIDI approximates drought impacts from changes in precipitation and moisture over a long-term timeframe (up to 5 years), such as impacts to irrigated agriculture, groundwater, and reservoir levels. Long-term drought conditions can also increase wildfire intensity and severity.

This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn how this map is made.

Experimental
Agriculture in Lower Colorado Region

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts hundreds of surveys every year and prepares reports covering virtually every aspect of U.S. agriculture, including agricultural commodities statistics for crops and livestock. This map displays crops and livestock by county alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor. Learn more.

Crop Production (Acres)

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Crop Production (Acres)

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Crop Production (Acres)

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Livestock Count

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Livestock Count

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 - Abnormally Dry #ffff00
D1 - Moderate Drought #ffcc99
D2 - Severe Drought #ff6600
D3 - Extreme Drought #ff0000
D4 - Exceptional Drought #660000
131,579
acres of hay (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
34,840
acres of cotton (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
32,872
acres of wheat (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
60,701
number of sheep (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
56,001
number of cattle (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
Water Supply in Lower Colorado Region

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produces maps of real-time streamflow conditions compared to historical conditions. The map depicts streamflow conditions as computed at USGS streamgages. The colors represent real-time streamflow compared to percentiles of historical daily streamflow for the day of the year. Learn more.

The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) produces precipitation outlooks for the U.S., including 6-10 day, 8-14 day, monthly, and seasonal outlooks. This 1-month outlook depicts whether there is a greater chance for above-normal or below-normal precipitation conditions over the next month. Learn more.

Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
Low #ff0000
Much Below Normal #b12121
Below Normal #ffa400
Normal #00ff00
Above Normal #40dfd0
Much Above Normal #0000ff
High #000000
Not Ranked #FFFFFF
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
33% - 40% #f0d493
40% - 50% #d8a750
50% - 60% #bb6d33
60% - 70% #9b5031
70% - 80% #934639
80% - 90% #804000
90% - 100% #4f2f2f
Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
33% - 40% #b3d9ab
40% - 50% #94cd7e
50% - 60% #48ae38
60% - 70% #3a7b5f
70% - 80% #008e40
80% - 90% #28553d
90% - 100% #285517
16
percent of streamflow sites are below normal
57
percent of streamflow sites are above normal
55
percent of the Lower Colorado Region has below-normal precipitation probability this month
0
percent of the Lower Colorado Region has above-normal precipitation probability this month

Historical Conditions for the Lower Colorado Region

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a national map released every Thursday, showing parts of the U.S. that are in drought. The USDM relies on drought experts to synthesize the best available data and work with local observers to interpret the information. The USDM also incorporates ground truthing and information about how drought is affecting people, via a network of more than 450 observers across the country, including state climatologists, National Weather Service staff, Extension agents, and hydrologists. Learn more.

Time Period (Years): to
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