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Monitoring Drought Trends on Your iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

June 17, 2026 · The Clime Team
Monitoring Drought Trends on Your iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Monitoring drought trends on your iPad is essential for staying informed about water scarcity and its environmental impacts. By utilizing specialized applications and resources, you can access real-time data and historical trends to make informed decisions.

1. What Are the Key Applications for Monitoring Drought Trends on iPad?

Several applications are designed to provide comprehensive drought information:

  • DISCS (Drought Information Supported by Citizen Scientists): Developed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, DISCS allows users to contribute photos and data on local crop conditions, soil moisture, and drought impacts. In return, users can view their reports alongside others and access information from the U.S. Drought Monitor, NOAA rainfall data, and NASA satellite observations. (apps.apple.com)

  • FloodWatch: While primarily focused on flood monitoring, FloodWatch provides real-time data on river levels and stream gauges across the U.S., which can be indicative of drought conditions. The app offers interactive maps and historical data to help users understand water levels and potential drought impacts. (floodwatchapp.com)

  • Rain Tally: This app helps users track rainfall data, providing insights into precipitation patterns over the past week and forecasts for the next three days. By comparing current data with historical trends, users can assess potential drought conditions. (raintally.com)

2. How Do These Applications Work?

  • DISCS: Users can submit photos and data on local crop conditions, soil moisture, and drought impacts. The app then overlays this citizen-generated data with official sources like the U.S. Drought Monitor and NOAA rainfall data, providing a comprehensive view of drought conditions.

  • FloodWatch: Utilizing real-time data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and NOAA, FloodWatch offers interactive maps of river gauges, allowing users to monitor water levels and identify potential drought areas.

  • Rain Tally: By displaying recent and forecasted rainfall data alongside historical trends, Rain Tally enables users to determine if current conditions are leading toward drought.

3. How Can I Access These Applications on My iPad?

All three applications are available for download on the App Store:

4. How Do These Applications Compare?

Each application offers unique features tailored to different aspects of drought monitoring:

  • DISCS: Focuses on citizen science, allowing users to contribute data and view it alongside official sources.

  • FloodWatch: Provides real-time river and stream data, useful for understanding water levels and potential drought impacts.

  • Rain Tally: Specializes in tracking rainfall data and comparing it with historical trends to assess drought conditions.

5. How Can I Stay Updated on Drought Conditions?

Regularly using these applications will keep you informed about current and potential drought conditions in your area. Additionally, consulting resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program can provide valuable information on drought preparedness and water conservation. (epa.gov)

By leveraging these tools, you can effectively monitor drought trends on your iPad, contributing to informed decision-making and proactive water conservation efforts.

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