Environmental Science Series: Drought November 6, 2012

As the global climate warms, how will that affect Colorado and the duration of droughts? Globally, the average amount of rainfall is expected to increase, as the warmer temperatures lead to more evaporation of water from the sea. However, the same warmth will help dry out land more quickly, so the droughts that do occur may increase in intensity. As we know in Colorado, where drought does strike, the risk of wildland fire soars. This forum will address these topics and how scientists at NOAA & NCAR are measuring and assessing the current and future of drought in Colorado.