National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

Dangerous, prolonged heat is ongoing in the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley and heat expands into the Northeast for a brief period today. Widely scattered instances of flash flooding due to heavy rains are forecast from northeast Kansas to much of Indiana. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of New England, northern Mid-Atlantic, and North Dakota. 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