Advances in the Canadian Drought Monitor

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has decades of experience monitoring drought conditions in Canada and has participated in the North American Drought Monitor with the United States and Mexico since 2002. Significant and recent improvements to Canada’s Canadian Drought Monitor (CDM) operational activity have resulted in greater efficiency, timeliness, interactivity and usability of the monthly drought assessments. This presentation will highlight these improvements, including the geospatial and online tools that have been implemented for internal functions, decision support, communications and outreach. It will also highlight the benefits to international coordination and collaboration with the North American Drought Monitor and the North American Climate Services Partnership.