Drought Dashboard: Average Drought Duration (Years) Projected to Increase

Link to 2021 SECURE Report PDF Link to 2021 SECURE Report Web Portal Link to 2021 SECURE Applications Link to 2021 SECURE Drought Severity and Duration Data
Comparing droughts in the past to future droughts

 

Compare drought duration (years) in the Historical Period (1473–2005) using tree-ring reconstructions and stream gage information and future droughts using climate change scenarios. 

 

To get started: 

Select a Scenario, Major Reclamation River Basin or State to filter.

 

Click on the map for detailed information.

Search for a specific location or zoom in by scrolling.

 

Note: The data on the map and indicators will change based on your selections across different scenarios.
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This dashboard is an interactive tool used to explore drought duration climate models highlighted within the 2021 SECURE Water Act Report. 
Map Legend

What's Being Displayed

Drought Duration (years) is displayed on the map for the selected Scenarios. As your selections change, the information below will update to show the average, minimum, and maximum drought durations averaged across the area in view.

 

Takeaway: Droughts under the Historical Period last an average of 1 to 4 years. In the future, droughts are projected to last longer under both the Lower (RCP 4.5) and Higher (RCP 8.5) Scenarios.
Scenario Comparison

Compare drought duration over the Historical Period (1473-2005) with the Lower (RCP 4.5) and Higher (RCP 8.5) climate change scenarios that vary based on greenhouse gas concentrations. View results below.
Historical Period

(1473-2005)

Avg Duration (years)
1.6
Min
3.9
Max
Lower Scenario

(RCP 4.5)

Avg Duration (years)
2.5
Min
5.7
Max
Higher Scenario

(RCP 8.5)

Avg Duration (years)
2.7
Min
6.5
Max