Learn about the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), the process behind it, and how you can contribute at a virtual workshop.
The USDM is a weekly map showing the location and intensity of drought across the U.S. Unlike weather maps, it is a look back in time, rather than a forecast. Each week, expert “authors” of the map start by reviewing data on precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, streamflow, and much more to decide what if anything has changed. But itʼs not a cookbook process. It also depends on a network of local experts, such as state climatologists and National Weather Service meteorologists, to interpret how physical conditions are affecting people and places across the country. It even incorporates crowdsourced observations from citizen scientists.
During the workshop, you will learn:
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More about the USDM process
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How you can contribute
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What programs the USDM triggers
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How state assessment teams can coordinate input to the USDA authors
You will also have a chance to ask questions and provide feedback to USDM authors.
This workshop is presented by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC; University of Nebraska), which is the academic partner and web host of the USDM and the U.S. Department of Agricultureʼs Northeast Climate Hub. The USDM is a joint product of the NDMC, the USDA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
If you have questions, please contact Brian Fuchs (NDMC) bfuchs2@unl.edu
Registration Details:
This workshop will be held on August 14 2024, 10am-12pm EDT.
Register for this event here.
Details for online participation will be emailed in advance.