Tracking drought blends science and art. No single definition of
drought works for all circumstances, so people rely on drought indices
to detect and measure droughts. But no single index works under all
circumstances, either. That's why we need the Drought Monitor, a
synthesis of multiple indices and impacts, that represents a consensus
of federal and academic scientists. The product will be refined over
time as we find ways to make it better reflect the needs of
decision-makers and others who use the information.
