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News Release 16-127
Soil moisture, snowpack data could help predict 'flash droughts'
Severe 2012 drought could have been forecast months in advance, research shows
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Flash droughts, like the one in the U.S. Southern Rockies and Midwest in 2012, can be predicted.
Credit: NOAA
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The 2012 flash drought hit Iowa farmlands hard, turning their once-green crops sere and brown.
Credit: NOAA
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Corn was among the crops affected by the 2012 flash drought.
Credit: USDA
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With earlier drought warnings, farmers, water planners and others would have more time to prepare.
Credit: USDA
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Scientists are using measures of soil moisture as a way of predicting flash droughts to come.
Credit: USDA
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How deep is the snowpack? The answer may indicate whether a flash drought is on the horizon.
Credit: UCAR
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