The categories of drought are defined as follows:

Abnormally Dry (D0) - Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures; fire risk above average. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered.

Moderate Drought (D1) - Some damage to crops, pastures; fire risk high; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent, voluntary water use restrictions requested.

Severe Drought (D2) - Crop or pasture losses likely; fire risk very high; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed.

Extreme Drought (D3) - Major crop/pasture losses; extreme fire danger; widespread water shortages or restrictions.

Exceptional Drought (D4) - Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; exceptional fire risk; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells, creating water emergencies.

Note:  Drought categories are based on broad-scale indicators over "climate districts" (the gray division lines on the U.S. map above).  The Midwest and state maps below it attempts to delineate the drought categories on a smaller scale map.  Note that because the categories do not follow county lines, the "transition areas" on the regional and state maps may be larger than indicated above.  Also, small-scale factors, such as localized heavy rain from thunderstorms, may affect the drought level over a small area, which may not necessarily be reflected in the maps above. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly collaborative effort between a number of federal agencies including NOAA/ NWS, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and the National Drought Mitigation Center. Details and explanations of the Drought Monitor can found at: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu

You can report and view specific drought impacts via the Drought Impact Reporter at: https://droughtreporter.unl.edu