Drought Early Warning System: What is needed?

Brian Fuchs, Climatologist

National Drought Mitigation Center School of Natural Resources

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Drought Early Warning System:What is needed?

NWS Shreveport, LARegional Climate Conference

August 26-27, 2014

Outline

The National Drought Mitigation CenterPlanning for DroughtCurrent Drought ConditionsEl Nino?Seasonal Drought OutlookQuestions

Established in 1995Founder: Dr. Don WilhiteCurrent Director: Dr. Mike HayesThe NDMC is a soft money, grant funded organizationCurrent staff: 16 people, tremendous diversity of expertise

National Drought Mitigation Center

National Drought Mitigation Center

Mission: To lessen societal vulnerability to drought by promoting planning and the adoption of appropriate risk management techniques.

www.drought.unl.edu

drought.unl.edu

Tools for Planning: NDMC and NIDIS

Planning at all scalesAll droughts are “local”Planning should start locally and involve the “locals”Planning is a

“living” process

National Drought Policy Act, 1998

33.56% of the CONUS in Drought

U.S. Drought Monitor Change Map

12 Month Change

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/season_drought.png

Any Questions ?

Brian Fuchs bfuchs2@unl.edu 402-472-6775

National Drought Mitigation Center School of Natural Resources

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Contact Information: