Addressing User Requirements for Information through the National Integrated Drought Information System's U.S. Drought Portal

The U.S. Drought Portal is the public face of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and serves as a clearinghouse for drought products, forecasts, services, and information at the state and sub-regional, national, regional, and global levels. In operation since 2007, the U.S. Drought Portal is constantly improving the types of information available as well as how the information is provided. These changes are driven by user requirements, often from the Regional Drought Early Warning Systems, in place in various places around the country, as well as through international agreements and partnerships.

In 2015, the U.S. Drought portal will undergo a redesign to continue to address new user requirements as well as to provide a fresh face to NIDIS following reauthorization of the NIDIS law in 2014. New products, services, and designs will be presented that address the requirements of drought decision makers, scientists, water managers, the agricultural sector, and the general public.