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How can I share my local conditions?
How can I share my local conditions?
There are many ways for citizen scientists to get involved in tracking and reporting local conditions. Two popular ways to get involved are highlighted here.
Submit Drought Impacts
Submit Drought Impacts
The Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) tool provides a way for citizen scientists to report their observations. These observations help members of the drought monitoring community understand local conditions. Even if you are not currently experiencing drought, any reports you provide can help put local conditions into context. Get started here.
Measure Precipitation
Measure Precipitation
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a network of volunteers who measure rain, hail, and snow in their backyards each day. CoCoRaHS data help build a better understanding of the highly variable nature of precipitation across local areas, especially in places that do not already have weather stations nearby. Learn more here.
What should I look for?
What should I look for?
The following list provides examples drought impacts that you may see in your local area. The photos show real-life impacts from recent droughts that have affected the state of New York. For a more comprehensive listing of drought impacts, see this page on the U.S. Drought Monitor website.
Agriculture
Agriculture
You may notice:
Stunted crop growth
Reduced crop yields; crop loss
Decreased pasture and forage quality
Increased irrigation needs; hauling water
Plants and wildlife
Plants and wildlife
You may notice:
Dull fall foliage; leaves dropping prematurely
Wildlife searching for food or gathering at water sources
Wildlife diseases may become more prevalent
Increased wildfire/brush fire activity
Fish kills could occur as water levels drop
Public health
Public health
You may notice:
Reduced quantity and quality of private well water
Reductions in air quality
Feeling stress, particularly if facing a water shortage or if drought is impacting your livelihood
Recreation
Recreation
You may notice:
Low water levels impacting boating or fishing opportunities
Increased fire danger and reduced air quality
Reduced wildlife populations impacting hunting
Snow drought impacting wintertime outdoor activities
Water resources
Water resources
You may notice:
Issues with well water; wells may be running low or may run completely dry; water quality may also be impacted
Visibly lower water levels in streams, wetlands, ponds, lakes, etc.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in water bodies
Water conservation may be urged or required
gallery of impact photos
gallery of impact photos
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