Some spatial characteristics of drought duration in the United States.

Abstract

By using the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) as calculated from state averages of temperature and precipitation and from numerous single station analyses, it has been demonstrated that droughts (as defined by the PDSI) persist longer in the interior of the US than in areas farther east or west. The question arises whether this is merely an artifact of the PDSI calculations, or whether there is actually more persistence of abnormally dry (wet) weather in the interior.-from Author