Droughts transpire when winters are warm and dry and there is little mountain snowpack, or when summers are especially dry and hot leading to a lack of moisture. Droughts should become more common with our climate shifting to warmer winters and drier summers.
Droughts can result in a variety of consequences in our environment, communities and everyday lives. Some of the specific impacts that can result from a drought include loss of wildlife habitat, poor soil quality, health problems, wildfires, and even loss of life.
If a drought warning is issued always observe state and local restrictions on water use. For example, do not wash your car, water your lawn or pursue other non-essential water uses. Taking short showers instead of baths, storing drinking water in the refrigerator, avoiding using running water to thaw meats, and using a commercial car wash that recycles water are some ways to ease water use during a drought.
Pictograms
What should you do when there is extreme heat? The pictograms on this page, presented in multiple languages, are helpful.
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