Signals, warnings and risks
Droughts are said to be difficult to predict because they can occur gradually and slowly. Water level is the first thing to look at when looking at droughts. Signs of drought include things like low water levels in streams, lakes and ponds, a decrease of moisture in the soil and lack of in ground water availability. Another key change which leads to drought is signs of stress in plant life. Wilting, a decrease in growth or no growth at all, leaves dying earlier than expected, flowers failing to open, stems and twigs dying and fruit dropping early or not at all are all examples of signs of stress in plant life. This happens when the plants are not getting enough water. Livestock such as pigs, sheep and cattle all suffer from lack of water in scorching temperatures. High temperatures quite often go with drying of the soil and lower water levels. Strong winds and dry thunderstorms lead to fires which sometimes eventually lead to droughts. People who live in dry areas are vulnerable to droughts.