Arizona Drought Status
(data through 9/18/12)Data Source(s): http://www.drought.gov
Short-term drought conditions eased across most of Arizona over the past 30 days. However, all of Arizona continues to experience some level of drought, according to the September 18 update of the U.S. Drought Monitor (Figures 4a–b). Northeast and central Arizona are still observing severe to extreme drought; moderate drought covers the rest of the state. The area classified with severe or extreme drought fell from 93 percent in mid-August to 32 percent in mid-September. Plentiful monsoon rain over the past month helped drive this improvement in short-term drought conditions.
Notes:The Arizona section of the U.S. Drought Monitor is released weekly (every Thursday) and represents data collected through the previous Tuesday. The maps are based on expert assessment of variables including (but not limited to) the Palmer Drought Severity Index, soil moisture, streamflow, precipitation, and measures of vegetation stress, as well as reports of drought impacts. It is a joint effort of several agencies.
Related Links:
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For the most current drought status map, visit:
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?AZ,W -
For monthly short-term and quarterly long-term Arizona drought status maps, visit:
http://www.azwater.gov/AzDWR/StatewidePlanning/Drought/DroughtStatus.htm
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- Gigi Owen, CLIMAS Assistant Staff Scientist
- Nancy J. Selover, Arizona State Climatologist
- Jessica Swetish, CLIMAS Publications Assistant
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