Vegdri - A Hybrid-Based Agricultural Drought Monitoring Tool For The Continental U.S.

The Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) is a hybrid agricultural drought monitoring tool that has been operational for the continental United States since 2009.  VegDRI integrates satellite observations, climate data, and other environmental variables (e.g., land use/land cover types, soils, and elevation) to map and monitor drought-related vegetation stress conditions at a nominal 1-km spatial resolution.  A detailed discussion of the VegDRI methodology and operational products and information will be presented.  Examples of VegDRI results will also be discussed and ongoing research, as well as key decision making activities (e.g., U.S. Drought Monitor and state drought task forces) using VegDRI will be highlighted.