Impacts From Drought

Like other natural disasters, drought is categorized based on the level of impact on people, animals and agriculture. Using the descriptions, place the levels of drought in order from least impact to most impact.

  • DO: Abnormally Dry
  • D1: Moderate Drought
  • D2: Severe Drought
  • D3: Extreme Drought
  • D4: Exceptional Drought

Drag each item below to its matching area.

Good Job!

Understanding the affects of drought is an important piece of your weather knowledge.

  • Some damage to crops, pastures; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent; voluntary water-use restrictions requested
  • Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies
  • Crop or pasture losses likely; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed
  • Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered
  • Major crop/pasture losses; widespread water shortages or restrictions