National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

 

  Drought Severity Classifications

 

Ranges

Category

Description

Possible Impacts

Palmer Drought Index

CPC Soil
Moisture Model
(Percentiles)

USGS Weekly Streamflow
(Percentiles)

Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)

Objective Short and Long-term Drought Indicator Blends (Percentiles)

D0

Abnormally
Dry

Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits;  pastures or crops not fully recovered

-1.0 to -1.9

21-30

21-30

-0.5 to -0.7

21-30

D1

Moderate Drought

Some damage to crops, pastures; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent; voluntary water-use restrictions requested

-2.0 to -2.9

11-20

11-20

-0.8 to -1.2

11-20

D2

Severe
Drought

Crop or pasture losses likely;  water shortages common; water restrictions imposed

-3.0 to -3.9

6-10

6-10

-1.3 to -1.5

6-10

D3

Extreme Drought

Major crop/pasture losses;  widespread water shortages or restrictions

-4.0 to -4.9

3-5

3-5

-1.6 to -1.9

3-5

D4

Exceptional Drought

Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies

-5.0 or less

0-2

0-2

-2.0 or less

0-2