Drought Dashboard: Average Drought Severity (PDSI) Projected to Increase

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Comparing droughts in the past to future droughts

 

Compare drought severity (PDSI) 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 severity climate models highlighted within the 2021 SECURE Water Act Report. 
Map Legend

 
What's Being Displayed

Drought Severity (PDSI) 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 severity averaged across the area in view.

 

PDSI, the Palmer Drought Severity Index, is a commonly used measure of drought. The PDSI integrates temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture information to calculate levels of drought severity. Lower PDSI values, including negative values, represent more severe droughts and higher values represent less severe droughts.
Scenario Comparison

Compare drought severity 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. Calculations of average drought severity indirectly include drought duration, so longer droughts may appear less severe in some locations. View results below.
Historical Period

(1473-2005)

Avg Severity (PDSI)
-1.9
Most Severe
-1.0
Least Severe
Lower Scenario
(RCP 4.5)

Avg Severity (PDSI)
-2.8
Most Severe
-1.4
Least Severe
Higher Scenario
(RCP 8.5)

Avg Severity (PDSI)
-2.8
Most Severe
-1.3
Least Severe