National Drought Mitigation Center

Drought for Kids

What is Drought?  

What is Drought?


Find out here! Learn the difference between weather and climate, and about the relationship between drought and the earth's water cycle.

How Do People Study Drought?  

How Do People Study Drought?


Drought is studied by both physical scientists and social scientists. What does each science help us understand about drought?

How Does Drought Affect Our Lives?  

How Does Drought Affect Our Lives?


Because water is such an important part of our communities and the environment, water scarcity during a drought touches many parts of our lives. Learn about these drought impacts here.

Can We Protect Ourselves from Drought? Credit: Rostyslav Savchyn

Can We Protect Ourselves from Drought?


We can't stop drought, but we can prepare for it, and make choices that may lessen a drought's damage to our communities and our environment.

Glossary  

Glossary


Use this page to find the meaning of words used in drought science and drought planning.

More Resources

Assessing Drought in the U.S. Video


Climographs


Dust Bowl