Droughts are a growing threat to ecosystems and communities

We can take steps now to lessen the dangers droughts bring

By Rosanna Wakley

Knightly News Reporter

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It’s been raining a good bit recently, but parts of South Central Pennsylvania been in a drought, and the amount of recent rainfall will determine whether that status changes.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, maintained by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, indicated that as of May 20, these Central Pennsylvania counties in Central Penn’s orbit were experiencing moderate drought:

• Lancaster.
• Berks.
• York, except for the county’s northwestern tip.

The following counties were abnormally dry:

• Cumberland.
• Lebanon.
• The lower two-thirds of Dauphin.

The southeastern quadrant of Adams County and the south-central portion of Franklin County were also experiencing moderate drought, as were most of southern and eastern Schuylkill County, with the rest of those counties being abnormally dry.

Droughts, which occur when there is a prolonged lack of rainfall, are becoming more frequent and severe, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, agriculture and communities, according to meteorologists.

Meteorologist Mike Susko, of WGAL, Lancaster, explained that droughts are influenced by several factors, including large-scale weather systems, ocean temperatures and changes in landscape.

Experts warn that as effects of climate change intensify, droughts will continue to grow in frequency and severity, complicating efforts to manage water resources and mitigate environmental risks.

The causes of drought

Droughts can result from a variety of causes, most notably a lack of rainfall over an extended period. Susko explained that weather patterns such as high-pressure systems and ocean temperatures can influence how much moisture is available to a region.

“When there are changes in the jet stream or high-pressure systems in place, the lack of rain can persist for much longer periods,” Susko said. “In addition, deforestation and urban development can alter local climates, exacerbating drought conditions.”

Susko said on May 21 in an email that “we received a decent amount of rain,” which helped and that we are “seeing slow improvements to the drought, but the Susquehanna Valley continues to face drought conditions.”

The impact of these factors varies by region. In arid regions like the Western United States, droughts are often triggered by natural weather cycles such as El Niño. In tropical and subtropical areas, human activities like land-use changes and deforestation play a larger role in causing and worsening droughts.

The impact of droughts

Droughts have wide-ranging effects. Beyond the obvious water shortages and crop failures, droughts can lead to long-term environmental and economic damage. In places where agriculture is a major industry, the inability to grow crops can lead to food shortages and economic instability. One of the most serious consequences of a drought is the increased risk of wildfires.

Drought conditions create an ideal environment for wildfires to spread, especially in regions like California, where persistent dry conditions make the landscape more vulnerable to fires. Although wildfires are less frequent in places like North Carolina, their intensity can still be influenced by the severity of the drought.

Wildfires and health risks

The connection between droughts and wildfires also has significant health implications. As wildfires burn, they release smoke and particulate matter into the air, severely affecting air quality. People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

“The immediate health risk during a wildfire is difficulty breathing, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly,” Susko explained.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides extensive guidance on how wildfire smoke has an impact on public health. According to the agency, exposure to wildfire smoke can cause short-term and long-term respiratory problems, particularly when the smoke travels long distances during high winds.

Environmental consequences

While wildfires are often devastating, they can also serve a role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Fires help eliminate invasive species and return nutrients to the soil, promoting new plant growth.

However, the consequences of wildfires can be severe. Soil instability after a fire increases the risk of mudslides and flooding, and the destruction of habitats can displace native wildlife for years.

Additionally, wildfires can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems, as ash and debris pollute waterways, affecting fish and other aquatic life.

Predicting and managing droughts and wildfires

Meteorologists use weather models, satellite data and ground reports to predict the likelihood of droughts and wildfires. While the precise timing of a wildfire cannot be predicted, experts can forecast when conditions are favorable for fires. In such cases, the National Weather Service will issue Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings to alert the public of high fire risk.

As for droughts, forecasting tools such as the National Drought Mitigation Center’s drought monitor and the Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlooks, provide valuable insight into developing conditions.

“Staying informed through these resources can help communities prepare for drought conditions and adjust water usage accordingly,” Susko said.

Solutions to droughts and wildfires

Although droughts are inevitable, their impact can be mitigated through effective water management and climate action.

Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to slow climate change is essential for lessening the severity of droughts in the future.

Additionally, responsible water-management practices in agriculture, cities and communities in general can reduce the pressure on local water supplies during dry periods.

Forest management also plays a key role in reducing wildfire risk. Controlled burns, for example, can eliminate excess vegetation and reduce the amount of fuel available for wildfires to spread. Properly managed forests and fire-prevention strategies, coupled with public awareness, can help mitigate the dangers posed by wildfires.

As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of droughts and wildfires are likely to increase. To address these challenges, a multipronged approach is needed, including improved forest management, better forecasting tools and robust efforts to reduce the effects of climate change.

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Edited by media-club co-adviser and blog editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.