Public Health
Some health effects of drought are easy to observe and measure, but drought’s slow rise can result in indirect health implications that are more difficult to recognize.
Drought and Public Health
Over the last century, droughts have caused more deaths internationally than any other weather- or climate-related disaster. In the United States, drought impacts on public health include changes in air quality, changes in water quality and quantity, increased incidence of illness and disease, and mental health effects.
The U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) is designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy. This map displays the AQI at sensors across the U.S. alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor, as of 10 a.m. Eastern.
This map shows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) designations alongside current drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor. (USDM) The SVI uses 15 U.S. census variables at tract level (e.g., poverty, lack of vehicle access, crowded housing) to help local officials identify communities that may need support in preparing for or recovering from hazards, like drought. Learn more.
Drought can cause significant human health outcomes that can challenge public health departments, emergency managers, and healthcare providers. Drought can lead to decreased water quantity and quality, increased incidence of illness or disease, increased mortality rates, and adverse mental health outcomes as livelihoods are challenged.
Learn MoreDuring drought conditions, fuels for wildfire, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Temperature, soil moisture, humidity, wind speed, and fuel availability (vegetation) are all factors that interact to influence the frequency of large wildfires.
Learn MoreExtreme weather events can interact or cascade—where one disaster event triggers or changes the probability of another event. For example, drought conditions can increase the probability of large-scale wildfires, and droughts are often accompanied by extreme heat. By including drought in multi-hazard planning, a community can consolidate its resources and develop coordinated responses before a disaster.
Learn MoreDrought can cause significant human health outcomes that can challenge public health departments, emergency managers, and healthcare providers. Drought can lead to decreased water quantity and quality, increased incidence of illness or disease, increased mortality rates, and adverse mental health outcomes as livelihoods are challenged.
Learn MoreAir Quality
AQI 0 to 50: Good
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Learn more.
AQI 51 to 100: Moderate
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Learn more.
AQI 101 to 150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Learn more.
AQI 151 to 200: Unhealthy
Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Learn more.
AQI 201 to 300: Very Unhealthy
Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Learn more.
AQI >301: Hazardous
Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. Learn more.
U.S. Drought Monitor
D0 - Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 – Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 – Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 – Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 – Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
U.S. Drought Monitor
The U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) is designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy. This map displays the AQI at sensors across the U.S. alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor, as of 10 a.m. Eastern.
This map shows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) designations alongside current drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor. (USDM) The SVI uses 15 U.S. census variables at tract level (e.g., poverty, lack of vehicle access, crowded housing) to help local officials identify communities that may need support in preparing for or recovering from hazards, like drought. Learn more.
On Drought.gov, Air Quality Index maps are updated daily at 10 a.m. Eastern. View hourly air quality information from AirNow.
CDC's Social Vulnerability Index data are from 2018. The U.S. Drought Monitor map is updated weekly on Thursday mornings, with data valid through that Tuesday at 7 am Eastern.
Drought can cause significant human health outcomes that can challenge public health departments, emergency managers, and healthcare providers. Drought can lead to decreased water quantity and quality, increased incidence of illness or disease, increased mortality rates, and adverse mental health outcomes as livelihoods are challenged.
Learn MoreDuring drought conditions, fuels for wildfire, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Temperature, soil moisture, humidity, wind speed, and fuel availability (vegetation) are all factors that interact to influence the frequency of large wildfires.
Learn MoreExtreme weather events can interact or cascade—where one disaster event triggers or changes the probability of another event. For example, drought conditions can increase the probability of large-scale wildfires, and droughts are often accompanied by extreme heat. By including drought in multi-hazard planning, a community can consolidate its resources and develop coordinated responses before a disaster.
Learn MoreDrought can cause significant human health outcomes that can challenge public health departments, emergency managers, and healthcare providers. Drought can lead to decreased water quantity and quality, increased incidence of illness or disease, increased mortality rates, and adverse mental health outcomes as livelihoods are challenged.
Learn More
CDC's Social Vulnerability Index uses 15 census variables at tract level to help local officials identify communities that may need support in preparing for hazards or recovering from disaster
AirNow is a one-stop source for air quality data, including current and forecast air quality maps and data for more than 500 cities across the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues heat index forecasts for days 3–7, including daily maximum heat index, daily mean heat index, and daily minimum heat index forecasts.
The National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network brings together data on environments and hazards, health effects, and population health from national, state,
A selection of NOAA fire and smoke products.
Drought Impacts Reporter (DIR): an interactive database of drought impacts in the U.S., by location, data, type, and cost built from stakeholder, government, media and other reports.
Impacts and Related Content
Air Quality
Air quality can decrease during drought events as a result of dust storms or wildfires. Particulates in the air irritate the lungs and bronchial passages and exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions.
Increased Incidence of Illness and Disease
Drought conditions can change how often and where certain diseases occur. For instance, mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus can move to new locations when water bodies become stagnant and create new breeding grounds. Also, there is a higher risk for contracting a lung infection called Valley Fever, caused by a fungus in the soil, in dry and dusty soil conditions.
Mental Health Impacts
Complex relationships between drought and its associated economic consequences can increase mood disorders, domestic violence, and suicide.
By Sector | Public Health
The impacts of drought on hospital admissions and deaths depend on drought severity and the history of droughts in a region. Learn more about drought's impacts on the public health sector.
Public Health Research and Resources
Web Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Drought and Health
CDC | Health Impacts of Drought
EPA | Natural Disasters Resource
NOAA | National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS)
NOAA | National Weather Service | Heat Safety Tips and Resources
Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Heat Illness Prevention Campaign