NOAA responds to Americans' call for shorter-term drought forecasts

The new forecast-NOAA's monthly drought outlook-adds to the seasonal predictions issued by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, and complements the weekly drought condition updates via the U.S. Drought Monitor (www.drought.gov offsite link).

This new product will better capture the rapid onset of drought and drought improvement--information needed by our many stakeholders, especially farmers and ranchers who need timely and accurate information to make short-term decisions during growing season.

The monthly product is now possible due to improvements in weather and climate model forecasts and associated post-processing as reflected in extended range forecasts (e.g., 6-10 day, 8-14 day, and monthly forecasts). The product now includes keywords such as "persistence," "improvement," and "removal," which will help users more clearly understand predicted conditions in their region.

This monthly drought outlook is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides to government, the business sector, academia, and the public to support informed decision-making and build a climate-smart nation. To view the July 2013 Drought Outlook, visit: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/mdo_summary.php.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our other social media channels.