All of these functions require adequate supplies of water. Meteorologists and climatologists have established that droughts are a natural part of the global climatic cycle, and that it is not unusual for them to be severe and prolonged in semi-arid areas like Montana. Their severity can be aggravated by the improper use and management of water and related resources duch as soils and forests. People using these resources in Montana must have adequate information available to them in order to make wise management decisions. A drought is an extended period fo unusually dry weather.
Droughts become severe if several months pass without significant precipitation.
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures that are ten ro more degrees above the average high temperature, and that last for several weeks during the hottest time of the year. Drought and extreme heat can cause shortages of water and food crops. Parched lands are more susceptible to wildfires during periods of drought. Droughts can actually result in later flooding. The vegetation dies without water, and as a result, even average rain can cause flooding.