2.10a Drought
Drought occurs when sufficient water needed to sustain an area is not available, causing economic impacts on agriculture, society, and ecosystems. It is most often caused by lack of rainfall over a long time period but can also be affected by unusually high temperatures and dry spells, particularly during summer months.
2.10b Effects of Drought
Lessened amounts of precipitation over an area for an extended period of time has many effects on farmland and crops. Drought conditions result from a lack of precipitation and this has many effects on the surrounding land and weather conditions. Drought conditions can worsen after prolonged periods of no rainfall, especially in areas where the water supply is short.
2.10c Heat Waves
Heat waves are extended periods of unusually hot weather that affect human and animal health as well as energy use.
2.10d Drought and Wildfires
Wildfires can occur during drought conditions when the land and vegetation have dried out.