A drought occurs when there is no substantial rainfall for a long period of time. Because different areas of the country receive widely differing amounts of rainfall, the amount of time it takes for drought conditions to develop varies.

Extreme heat is defined as temperatures 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature, lasting for several weeks. When drought and extreme heat occur at the same time, the conditions can be very dangerous.

Local community officials will alert you through your local newspaper, radio station, or television station when drought and extreme heat conditions exist in your area. Although extreme heat conditions are easily recognized, drought conditions often develop slowly and can only be tracked through local weather advisories.