U.S. Drought Monitor Highlights Drought Intensity Across the Country
The U.S. Drought Monitor, a collaborative effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Drought Mitigation Center, provides a weekly map depicting the location and intensity of drought across the United States. The map uses five classifications, ranging from Abnormally Dry (D0) to four levels of drought (D1-D4). This tool is crucial for triggering disaster declarations and loan eligibility by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The map is created using a combination of physical indicators and input from local observers, offering a comprehensive view of drought conditions nationwide. 
