September 28, 2012

As winter approaches, chances are slim that Nebraska and the Midwest will find significant relief from the ongoing drought that grips the region.

Even if Nebraska received twice the normal rainfall in the next two months, it would still not be enough for a full recovery. Winter months are typically the driest months of the year, with December through February accounting for just 7% of annual precipitation.

With the drought still in full effect, a panel from the National Drought Mitigation Center will present “Tracking the 2012 Drought: Nebraska and Beyond,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Hardin Hall auditorium, 33rd and Holdrege streets.

The panel will discuss the evolution of the current drought and how citizens can be involved observers. The discussion will run for about one hour and then the panel will take questions from the public.

Panelists will include Michael Hayes, director of the Drought Mitigation Center; Mark Svoboda, climatologist; and Kelly Helm Smith, drought resources specialist.

Hayes will provide an overview of the center and how it serves the public. Svoboda, leader of the center’s monitoring program area, will talk about the making of the U.S. Drought Monitor and the recent drought. Helm Smith will talk about drought impacts and how the public can contribute observations that help scientists and policymakers understand the effects of drought.

Parking for the event is free in all unmarked spaces adjacent to Hardin Hall. Refreshments will be served in the lobby at 6:30 p.m.