U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook
NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center (CPC)
Climate outlooks describe the chances that conditions will be below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal for the outlook period indicated. The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook depicts large-scale trends based on subjectively derived probabilities guided by short- and long-range statistical and dynamical forecasts.
The outlook is issued on the third Thursday or each month and predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next three months or so.
Where do these data come from?
Climate scientists base future climate outlooks on current patterns in the ocean and atmosphere. They examine projections from climate and weather models and consider recent trends. They also check historical records to see how much precipitation fell when patterns were similar in the past.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal (3-Month) Drought Outlook is issued on the third Thursday of each month. The outlook predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next three months or so.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal (3-Month) Drought Outlook is issued on the third Thursday of each month. The outlook predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next three months or so.
How to
What can I do with these data?
- Check the chances for future conditions.
- Compare average observed conditions with previous outlooks.
How do I use the site?
- Roll your cursor over the names/labels of outlook products to view the maps.
- Click any label to see a larger view of the image.
Access
Mapping Tool: The home page for National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center
U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook: Current U.S. Seasonal Outlook Map and Assessment
U.S. Drought Outlook Email Alerts: Sign up to receive emails from Drought.gov when the Climate Prediction Center releases its monthly and seasonal U.S. drought outlooks.
Documentation
The Climate Prediction Center publishes temperature and precipitation outlook maps for four different future periods: 6 to 10 days, 8 to 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months. The site also publishes maps showing Hazard Outlooks, Drought Status, and Monthly and Seasonal Drought Outlooks.
