When: May 1, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. EST

Learn about the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) process and how you can contribute to it by attending this virtual workshop.

The USDM is a weekly map showing the location and intensity of drought across the U.S. Unlike weather maps, it is a look back in time, rather than a forecast. Each week, expert authors of the map start by reviewing data on precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, streamflow and more to decide if drought status has changed.

The process depends on a network of local experts, such as state climatologists and National Weather Service meteorologists, to interpret how physical conditions are affecting people and places across the country. It even incorporates observations from citizen scientists and crowdsourcing.

During the webinar, you will learn more about the USDM process, how you can contribute, what programs the USDM triggers, and how state assessment teams can coordinate input to the USDM authors. You will also have a chance to ask questions and provide feedback to USDM authors. 

This webinar is presented by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the academic partner and web host of the USDM. The USDM is a joint product of the NDMC, USDA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The webinar link will be sent prior to the meeting. If you have questions, contact Curtis Riganti (NDMC) criganti2@unl.edu.