The symposium will provide researchers and fire managers a unique opportunity to connect with others, to learn about ongoing research in this area, and to discuss ways to move forward with new research and end uses. Soil moisture research is a crucial area of study in drought prediction and wildfires are one of the most devastating and extensive drought impacts. 

The advances described in 13 papers represent outcomes from research funded by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and Modeling, Analysis, Predictions and Projections (MAPP) programs, leveraging other U.S. agencies’ investments, and coordinated within the framework of the Third MAPP Drought Task Force (DTF3). 

The demo introduced the new drought.gov to this important audience and highlighted tools and resources of particular interest. 

The workshop will provide guidance on developing or updating local hazard mitigation plans to meet the requirements for FEMA assistance. NIDIS will talk about drought as one hazard that should be considered during the planning effort, highlight data and resources on the U.S. Drought Portal to aid planners in their drought risk assessment, and join a panel on Federal Resources for Hazard Planning. 

Joel Lisonbee, Molly Woloszyn, and Marina Skumanich with the CPO-led National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) developed a literature review to synthesize the research to date and provide a basis for future research on flash droughts. Specifically, they focused on documenting the range of definitions of “flash drought” being proposed in the research community.