A new study by UCLA and NOAA reveals that climate change is intensifying drought conditions in the western United States, including Colorado, primarily due to increased evaporation from high temperatures. Even with normal rainfall, the warmer atmosphere can exacerbate drought. Researchers advocate for redefining drought parameters to reflect recent climatic shifts and highlight the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these impacts.
A recent study conducted by UCLA and NOAA scientists reveals that climate change is exacerbating drought conditions in the western United States, including Colorado, even during years with adequate snowfall and rainfall. The study indicates that from 2020 to 2022, the persisting drought was largely due to high temperatures causing increased evaporation, rather than low precipitation levels. As temperatures continue to rise, it becomes evident that the western region will experience adverse effects from drought despite precipitation amounts that historically were considered normal. Joel Lisonbee, the regional drought information coordinator for NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and co-author of the study, emphasizes the need for preparedness as warmer temperatures increase the frequency and intensity of drought conditions. The concept of “evaporative demand”—the atmosphere’s thirst for moisture—highlights how warmer air can draw more moisture from the ground and the environment, intensifying drought even in wetter years. UCLA professor Rong Fu, also a co-author of this research, noted, “Even if precipitation looks normal, we can still have drought because moisture demand has increased so much, and there simply isn’t enough water to keep up with that increased demand,” underscoring the critical link between rising temperatures and drought severity. The study points out that between 2020 and 2022, evaporation contributed to 61 percent of the drought’s severity, while reduced precipitation was responsible for only 39 percent. The findings reveal a significant shift in the causes of drought from 2000 to 2022, compared to historical trends between 1948 and 1999. Since 2000, the dry atmosphere alone has the potential to instigate drought conditions on 66 percent of areas historically vulnerable to drought, illustrating a dramatic increase from a mere 26 percent during the previous decades. In light of these trends, Lisonbee and his colleagues are advocating for a reevaluation of the definition of drought, suggesting the need to account for the accelerated changes due to climate change in recent decades. The authors argue that it is essential to redefine drought to reflect these new realities, particularly as the frequency of extreme drought conditions increases. The implications of this research highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the significant challenges posed by climate change and to protect vital water resources in the region.
The article discusses the findings of a recent study that uncovers the impact of climate change on drought conditions in the western United States. Notably, even with sufficient rainfall and snowfall, high temperatures are resulting in increased evaporation and thus contributing to severe drought. This study is crucial in understanding how evolving climatic conditions redefine traditional interpretations of drought, emphasizing the role of temperature in determining water availability.
In conclusion, the study clearly illustrates the alarming relationship between rising temperatures and drought severity in western states, particularly in Colorado. The data reveals that even during years with adequate precipitation, the increasing evaporative demand driven by elevated temperatures fundamentally alters drought dynamics. Consequently, there is a pressing need to reassess our understanding of drought and implement adaptive strategies to address the escalating consequences of climate change on water resources.
Original Source: coloradosun.com
