- CRB Fundamentals - US Weather Related Maps (NOAA)

The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and Crop Moisture Index (CMI) are indices of the relative dryness or wetness effecting water sensitive economies. The PDSI indicates the prolonged and abnormal moisture deficiency or excess. The CMI gives the short-term or current status of purely agricultural drought or moisture surplus and can change rapidly from week to week. Both indicies indicate general conditions and not local variations caused by isolated rain. Calculation of the PDSI and CMI are made for 350 climatic divisions in the United States and Puerto Rico. Input to the calculations include the weekly precipitation total and average temperature, division constants (water capacity of the soil, etc.) and previous history of the indices. Continue

The maps are computer generated and based on preliminary data by NOAA/CPC.

Drought Severity Index	Crop Moisture Index	Additional Precip. Needed
Palmer Drought Index Forecast	El Niño / La Niña
US Seasonal Drought Outlook	US Drought Monitor
Click on the map to view it in its full width and height.
Source: Climate Prediction Center (CPC), NOAA