Drought indicators are any SINGLE observation or combinations of observations that contribute to identifying the onset and/or continuation of a drought. Drought indicators can include measures of stream flow, PRECIPITATION, reservoir storage, the Palmer Drought Severity Index, which is a function of precipitation, TEMPERATURE, and the available water content of the soil, and the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) provides an indication of the water supply available for a basin, including reservoir storage which is unique to WESTERN states. The effectiveness of drought indicators depends on the REGION and the resources. Often, the degree of infrastructure development in a region may define the most appropriate indicators.

Drought indicators are any single observation or combinations of observations that contribute to identifying the onset and/or continuation of a drought. Drought indicators can include measures of stream flow, precipitation, reservoir storage, the Palmer Drought Severity Index, which is a function of precipitation, temperature, and the available water content of the soil, and the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) provides an indication of the water supply available for a basin, including reservoir storage which is unique to Western states. The effectiveness of drought indicators depends on the region and the resources. Often, the degree of infrastructure development in a region may define the most appropriate indicators.