drought cycle
Recurring dry spell
A drought cycle is the recurring pattern of dry periods in a region's climate, typically spanning years or decades.
These cycles alternate between periods of normal or above-average rainfall and extended droughts: The Southwest is currently in the dry phase of a drought cycle.
Understanding drought cycles helps farmers, water managers, and policymakers plan for water scarcity.
- aridDevoid of water
- parchedExtremely dry or thirsty
- bone dryTotally devoid of moisture
- parched earthSeverely dried-out ground
- rainfallWater falling from clouds
monsoon · famine · crop failure · dust · dust bowl · cracked · reservoir · aquifer · irrigation · water restrictions · climate · climate change · oscillation · El Niño · La Niña · withered · scorched · barren