Hot, dry summer causes drought in Oregon
How bad is the drought in Oregon?
drought = not enough rain or snow to provide water for people, animals, and plants
- White: No Drought
- Yellow: Abnormally Dry
- Tan: Moderate Drought
- Orange Severe Drought
- Red: Extreme Drought
- Brown: Exceptional Drought
(SEPTEMBER 9, 2018) The 2018 summer in Oregon has been very hot and dry. Oregon set a new record for the number of days with temperatures above 90 degrees. So far, 31 days have had high temperatures of 90 degrees or more.
This also has been the driest summer in 40 years. So far, statewide precipitation this year has been only 86% of normal. Oregon Water Resources Department predicts lower precipitation (rain or snow) and higher temperatures (hot or cold).
These things together have caused drought conditions. A drought is when there is no rain and people do not have enough water (this is sometimes called a water shortage). Right now, 93% of the state is in a drought. 100% of the state is drier than normal.
A drought can cause plants to die. This hurts pastures for animals and farm land for crops. A drought can cause water shortages for other purposes, too. It also makes fires more dangerous. Currently, there are 14 large fires in Oregon. They are burning 116,500 acres.
“Drought.” Cambridge English Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/learner-english/drought.
Herron, Elise. “Oregon Reaches Critical Drought Levels After Driest Summer West of the Cascades in 40 Years.” Willamette Week, 8 Sept. 2018, www.wweek.com/news/2018/09/08/oregon-reaches-critical-drought-levels-after-driest-summer-west-of-the-cascades-in-40-years/.
“Oregon Drought Monitor.” U.S.Drought Portal, U.S. Drought Portal, 4 Sept. 2018, www.drought.gov/drought/states/oregon.
“Oregon Water Resources Department Weekly Drought Updates.” Weekly Drought Updates, Oregon Water Resources Department, 27 Aug. 2018, apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/wr/wr_drought/current_updates.aspx.