1968 And 2024: A Spring Comparison And Summer Drought Outlook

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Spring Weather Patterns: 1968 vs. 2024

Comparing the spring weather of 1968 and 2024 is crucial for predicting the summer drought outlook. Key factors include spring rainfall, temperature anomalies, precipitation levels, snowpack, and soil moisture. Analyzing these elements reveals potential similarities and differences, helping us understand the likelihood of a severe summer drought in 2024.

• Rainfall: Detailed analysis of historical rainfall data from 1968 shows below-average spring precipitation across many key agricultural regions. For example, the Midwest experienced significantly less rainfall than usual. In contrast, 2024's spring rainfall patterns present a more complex picture. While some regions mirror the 1968 deficits, such as the Southwest showing similar low rainfall, other areas, like the Southeast, experienced near-average or even above-average precipitation. This disparity highlights the importance of regional-specific drought monitoring.

• Temperature: Temperature anomalies play a significant role in drought development. 1968 saw above-average temperatures in several areas, accelerating snowmelt and increasing evaporation rates. Preliminary data for 2024 shows a similar trend in certain regions, particularly in the West, with temperatures exceeding historical averages for this time of year. This increased evaporation further reduces soil moisture.

• Soil Moisture: Analyzing soil moisture levels using historical data and current measurements is vital. Low soil moisture going into the summer months significantly increases the risk of drought. In 1968, many areas started the summer with critically low soil moisture levels. Current measurements show concerningly low soil moisture in some key regions in 2024, echoing the 1968 conditions.

• Snowpack: Snowpack is a crucial indicator of future water availability. In 1968, the snowpack in major mountain ranges was significantly below average, contributing to the drought's severity. Similarly, 2024 shows a worrying lack of snowpack in several key mountain ranges across the Western United States. This low snowpack severely limits the water supply for the summer months.

Historical Drought of 1968: A Case Study

The 1968 drought serves as a sobering case study in the impacts of severe water shortages. The summer drought lasted several months, impacting numerous regions.

• Agricultural Impact: The 1968 drought led to widespread crop failures, particularly affecting corn and other water-intensive crops, across the Midwest. This resulted in significant economic losses for farmers and impacted national food supplies.

• Water Shortages: Many cities and towns faced severe water restrictions. Reservoir levels plummeted, causing concerns about municipal water supply. This required strict conservation measures and rationing.

• Wildfire Risk: The extremely dry conditions significantly increased the risk of wildfires. Large wildfires raged across several states, causing extensive damage to property and ecosystems.

• Economic Impact: The drought's effect extended beyond agriculture, significantly impacting the overall economy. The combined effects of crop failures, water shortages, and increased wildfire damage resulted in substantial economic losses.

Lessons Learned from the 1968 Drought

The 1968 drought provided invaluable lessons in drought preparedness and mitigation:

• Improved Irrigation: Following the 1968 drought, there was a push towards developing and implementing more efficient irrigation techniques, reducing water waste and improving drought resilience in agriculture.

• Water Conservation: Public awareness campaigns promoting water conservation gained traction. These campaigns emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in water usage, encouraging changes in behaviors and practices.

2024 Summer Drought Outlook and Predictions

Current drought prediction models utilize various data sources, including climate modeling, meteorological forecasts, and historical weather patterns, to assess the risk of a 2024 summer drought.

• Prediction Models: Current models predict a moderate to high risk of drought conditions across several regions for the summer of 2024. The Southwest, which already faces persistent drought conditions, is predicted to experience further water stress. The Plains states could also see increased drought risk.

• Contributing Factors: Several factors contribute to the 2024 drought outlook. These include continued La Niña patterns, which tend to suppress rainfall, and the effects of climate change, which are intensifying drought conditions in many areas.

Conclusion

Comparing the spring weather of 1968 and 2024 reveals concerning similarities. The low rainfall, high temperatures, and depleted snowpack in 2024 mirror conditions that preceded the severe 1968 drought. The historical impact of the 1968 drought underscores the need for proactive drought preparedness in 2024. Understanding the potential for a similar summer drought is crucial. Take proactive steps to prepare for potential water restrictions and conserve water now. Learn more about drought preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect yourself and your community from the impact of a potential 2024 summer drought. Don't wait; prepare for the possibility of a 2024 drought and conserve water wisely.