The Palmer Drought Severity Index uses temperature and precipitation data to estimate relative dryness. The index ranges from -10 (very dry) to +10 (very wet). A value between -2 and -3 indicates moderate drought, -3 to -4 is severe drought, and -4 or below indicates extreme drought.
The source does not provide the publication date. The date given is the date of access.
Citation formats
Monthly drought severity index in the U.S. 2017-2024
As of ***, the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) in the contiguous United States was . The monthly PDSI in the U.S. has generally been below zero over the past three years, with the lowest PDSI recorded in ***, at . A PDSI value higher than **** represents very wet conditions, while a PDSI below **** represents an extreme drought.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ can support your business.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (February 2, 2025). Monthly drought severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) in the United States from January 2017 to January 2024 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 23, 2026, from /statistics/1101425/drought-severity-united-states-monthly/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Monthly drought severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) in the United States from January 2017 to January 2024." Chart. February 2, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 23, 2026. /statistics/1101425/drought-severity-united-states-monthly/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2025). Monthly drought severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) in the United States from January 2017 to January 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 23, 2026. /statistics/1101425/drought-severity-united-states-monthly/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Monthly Drought Severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) in The United States from January 2017 to January 2024." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 2 Feb 2025, /statistics/1101425/drought-severity-united-states-monthly/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Monthly drought severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) in the United States from January 2017 to January 2024 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1101425/drought-severity-united-states-monthly/ (last visited July 23, 2026)
Monthly drought severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) in the United States from January 2017 to January 2024 [Graph], National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, February 2, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1101425/drought-severity-united-states-monthly/
