Current Palmer Drought Index

The Palmer Z Index shows how monthly moisture conditions depart from normal (short-term drought and wetness). The animated maps to the right show the geographical pattern of the moisture anomalies for the last 12 months. On these maps, the red shading denotes dry conditions while the green shading indicates wet conditions.

The above picture was taken April 20, 2013

The western states affected by the drought are areas that
are generally warmer and receives less rainfall than other
parts of the country. When it does rain, the heat evaporates
the water in the atmosphere. Western States are great for 
agriculture because of the sun and  irrigation provided from the states
that are rechargeable.

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