Risk of fire
Active fires
Drought monitor
What do the levels mean?
The U.S. Drought Monitor map. is updated weekly and combines weather, satellite, soil moisture and local reports. Climatology and agricultural experts analyze these sources to classify conditions into five levels, from "abnormally dry" to "exceptional drought." Although based on scientific data, it also incorporates field observations, making it a hybrid tool of science and community experience.
| Category | Name | Color | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0 | Abnormally dry | Yellow | Drier than normal conditions; possible onset of drought or recovery from a previous drought. |
| D1 | Moderate drought | Beige | Crop and pasture stress; some water deficits. |
| D2 | Severe drought | Orange | Widespread crop damage; water restrictions possible. |
| D3 | Extreme drought | Dark red | Major agricultural losses; common water shortages. |
| D4 | Exceptional drought | Burgundy | Water emergencies; extreme agricultural losses; widespread impact. |