The U.S. Drought Monitor, a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA and NOAA, currently lists Hopkins County as being in drought conditions ranging from severe to extreme for over 98% of the county.
This monitor is available on the National Integrated Drought Information System website Drought.gov to show the intensity of drought across the country using a five category range D0 to D4: abnormally dry; moderate drought; severe drought; extreme drought and exceptional drought.
The U.S. Spring Outlook posted by NOAA March 17 also included predictions of prolonged and persistent drought which is likely to continue or worsen through June.
NOAA also predicts that more than half of the U.S. is expected to experience above-average temperatures this spring.
Drought.gov shares that the impacts of being in severe drought are: pasture conditions will be very poor with little grass available for grazing, soil is hard hindering planting with crop yields decreasing and wildfire danger is severe which could lead to burn bans being implemented.
Wildfire moves into populated areas and hydroelectric power may become compromised, well water use increases and mandatory water restrictions could be implemented.
The impacts of extreme drought include soil will have large cracks, moisture is very low, and dust or sand storms may occur. Row and forage crops fail to germinate; decreased yields for irrigated crops and very large yield reductions for drylands crops are reported.
Some farmers and ranchers may experience an increased need for supplemental feed, nutrients, protein and water for livestock; herds are often sold. The risk of large wildfires increases, many sectors experience financial burden and severe plant, fish and wildlife loss is reported.
Water sanitation is normally a concern, reservoir levels drop significantly, surface water is nearly dry, river flow is very low and the salinity increases in bays and estuaries.
Drought conditions for the state show that 95% of the state is abnormally dry with producers beginning to add supplemental feed, planting may be postponed, grass fires increase and surface water levels decline. 88% of the state is moderately dry with drylands crops being stunted, early cattle sales begin, wildfire frequency increases and stock tanks, creeks, streams are low with voluntary water restrictions being requested.
7Seventy percent of the state is experiencing severe drought, 42% are in extreme drought and seven percent are feeling the effects of exceptional drought.
During exceptional drought, widespread crop loss is reported, rangeland is dead and producers are not planting fields. Culling continues; producers wean calves early and liquidate herds due to importation of hay and water expenses. Seafood, forestry, tourism and agriculture sectors report significant financial loss.
The risk of extreme wildfire danger increases and firework restrictions are implemented. Widespread tree mortality is reported and most wildlife species’ health and population begin to suffer.
Devastating algae blooms may occur and water quality becomes poor.
Water shortages begin to be noted across surface water sources and the water table starts to decline. ramps are closed and obstacles such as trunks of trees are exposed in water bodies.