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To download data on past streamflow percentiles and droughts, please refer to this recent USGS article in Water Resource Research. Weekly streamflow drought observations, along with meteorological data and other factors used in forecasting models can be found at: https://doi.org/10.5066/P1X5VH96.
In addition, the daily streamflow drought forecasts can be downloaded in parquet format from the River DroughtCast application using the download icon in the bottom right corner.
When watersheds have been modified due to human activities, it can be complex to characterize hydrological drought using streamflow percentiles. For example, in areas downstream of dams, streamflow that falls below normal percentiles may reflect drought in systems with irrigation and water supply reservoirs that store water from year to year. However, reservoirs are often managed together...
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
Hydrological drought happens when there is unusually low flow in rivers and streams, as well as low levels in lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater. It usually follows meteorological drought, which occurs first when a lack of rainfall over a long period leads to a water shortage. Meteorological drought can be tracked using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) or the Standardized Precipitation...
We use machine learning models to forecast streamflow drought by training them on 20- and 40-year periods of past streamflow, weather, and watershed data. For a summary of our methods and how we evaluate the models, see: Publication summarizing modeling methods and performance. Interactive guide showing how drought models work. Model input data, including daily weather, snow, soil moisture, and...
Any large-scale projects for mitigating drought in the U.S. would fall under the direction of the Bureau of Reclamation, which is the federal agency tasked with water management. While technically feasible, transporting surface water from flood areas (or the ocean) to drought areas faces many challenges including water rights, property rights, environmental impacts, and more. Then there's the...
River DroughtCast is a new machine learning system that predicts streamflow droughts — specifically “streamflow” droughts when rivers and streams drop to unusually low levels— up to 90 days in advance. Each prediction comes with uncertainty information to help users understand the confidence level of the forecast.
River DroughtCast is a new machine learning system that predicts streamflow droughts — specifically “streamflow” droughts when rivers and streams drop to unusually low levels— up to 90 days in advance. Each prediction comes with uncertainty information to help users understand the confidence level of the forecast.
River DroughtCast delivers current streamflow drought conditions and weekly forecasts of streamflow drought at select streamgages with long-term, complete records across the lower 48 states (the conterminous U.S., or CONUS).
River DroughtCast delivers current streamflow drought conditions and weekly forecasts of streamflow drought at select streamgages with long-term, complete records across the lower 48 states (the conterminous U.S., or CONUS).
Station 01196588 Mill River at Cook Hill Rd. in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Photo shows dry river channel at location of staff gage.
Station 01196588 Mill River at Cook Hill Rd. in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Photo shows dry river channel at location of staff gage.
Natural resource managers face increasing challenges in dealing with drought. As competition for water increases between its various uses (water supply, energy demands, ecological services, recreation, and other environmental and ecological needs), our ability to forecast the onset and termination of drought becomes ever more important.
Natural resource managers face increasing challenges in dealing with drought. As competition for water increases between its various uses (water supply, energy demands, ecological services, recreation, and other environmental and ecological needs), our ability to forecast the onset and termination of drought becomes ever more important.
The Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) incorporates satellite observations of vegetation to monitor at a finer spatial detail than other commonly used drought indicators.
The Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) incorporates satellite observations of vegetation to monitor at a finer spatial detail than other commonly used drought indicators.
When watersheds have been modified due to human activities, it can be complex to characterize hydrological drought using streamflow percentiles. For example, in areas downstream of dams, streamflow that falls below normal percentiles may reflect drought in systems with irrigation and water supply reservoirs that store water from year to year. However, reservoirs are often managed together...
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
Hydrological drought happens when there is unusually low flow in rivers and streams, as well as low levels in lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater. It usually follows meteorological drought, which occurs first when a lack of rainfall over a long period leads to a water shortage. Meteorological drought can be tracked using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) or the Standardized Precipitation...
We use machine learning models to forecast streamflow drought by training them on 20- and 40-year periods of past streamflow, weather, and watershed data. For a summary of our methods and how we evaluate the models, see: Publication summarizing modeling methods and performance. Interactive guide showing how drought models work. Model input data, including daily weather, snow, soil moisture, and...
Any large-scale projects for mitigating drought in the U.S. would fall under the direction of the Bureau of Reclamation, which is the federal agency tasked with water management. While technically feasible, transporting surface water from flood areas (or the ocean) to drought areas faces many challenges including water rights, property rights, environmental impacts, and more. Then there's the...
River DroughtCast is a new machine learning system that predicts streamflow droughts — specifically “streamflow” droughts when rivers and streams drop to unusually low levels— up to 90 days in advance. Each prediction comes with uncertainty information to help users understand the confidence level of the forecast.
River DroughtCast is a new machine learning system that predicts streamflow droughts — specifically “streamflow” droughts when rivers and streams drop to unusually low levels— up to 90 days in advance. Each prediction comes with uncertainty information to help users understand the confidence level of the forecast.
River DroughtCast delivers current streamflow drought conditions and weekly forecasts of streamflow drought at select streamgages with long-term, complete records across the lower 48 states (the conterminous U.S., or CONUS).
River DroughtCast delivers current streamflow drought conditions and weekly forecasts of streamflow drought at select streamgages with long-term, complete records across the lower 48 states (the conterminous U.S., or CONUS).
Station 01196588 Mill River at Cook Hill Rd. in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Photo shows dry river channel at location of staff gage.
Station 01196588 Mill River at Cook Hill Rd. in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Photo shows dry river channel at location of staff gage.
Natural resource managers face increasing challenges in dealing with drought. As competition for water increases between its various uses (water supply, energy demands, ecological services, recreation, and other environmental and ecological needs), our ability to forecast the onset and termination of drought becomes ever more important.
Natural resource managers face increasing challenges in dealing with drought. As competition for water increases between its various uses (water supply, energy demands, ecological services, recreation, and other environmental and ecological needs), our ability to forecast the onset and termination of drought becomes ever more important.
The Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) incorporates satellite observations of vegetation to monitor at a finer spatial detail than other commonly used drought indicators.
The Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) incorporates satellite observations of vegetation to monitor at a finer spatial detail than other commonly used drought indicators.