A flash drought refers to a drought that has "relatively short periods of warm surface temperature and anomalously low and rapid decreasing soil moisture. Based on the physical mechanisms associated with flash droughts, these events are classified into two categories: heat wave and precipitation deficit flash droughts," as defined by The American Meteorological Society.
Parts of Northeast Montana and the Dakotas are learning firsthand about this flash drought phenomenon. My daughter asked if that's like a flash sale, and I told her I hope so - that it leaves as quickly as it appeared. Just a month ago, these same areas didn't even register on the drought monitor map.
Drought designations range from Normal, to Moderate Drought, to Severe Drought, and in our area, our official designation as of June 20 is in Extreme Drought, with Exception Drought being the only higher designation.
Have you seen the movie Spaceballs? I'm going to petition the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to add a 'ludicrous drought' designation. We may as well add a little dry humor to the situation.
There's been a lot of talk about how the drought is impacting farmers and ranchers. Indeed, pastures are drying up, forage intended to be cut for hay is in scarce supply, and crops are growing sparsely where they're growing at all. The situation is bleak, and even an immediate reversal in the drought won't rectify the situation enough to create a harvest that meets producers financial needs. This is going to be a tough year.
ADVERTISEMENT
What doesn't get talked about a lot, though, is the effects that occur throughout the entire community from a weather event such as this. In rural America, when agriculture suffers, so does Main Street. Ag-dependent businesses like the feed store, local co-op, equipment dealers and spray applicators feel the biggest pinch, but grocery stores, convenience stores, and hardware stores all get affected as well.
Discretionary spending from farmers and ranchers slows, and dollars spent in local businesses dwindle. When those business owners are friends and neighbors, the burden shouldered back to the ag community becomes even greater.
Here's the thing, in spite of all this, we celebrate. This last weekend our little town celebrated its origins, history, and the hearty pioneers who came and stayed to fulfill their destinies - and ours. In a month we'll be celebrating again, this time with a county fair. The county fair will be recognizing our youth and the role they have in agriculture.
Summer brings wedding season, meaning we get to celebrate new beginnings. We attend our places of worship and celebrate our faith. On July 4th our community will be hosting an event full of celebration towards our great nation and the freedoms we enjoy. This celebration will take place on that same Main Street that's struggling.
But mostly, in our small town and hundreds just like it, we celebrate each other. We hold fast to the belief that a community is made of far more than monetary ties. In good times and in bad,
we support each other in our sorrows, and we rejoice together in our triumphs. We remind each other of small blessings and the silver linings. We forgive when tempers run short. We share tears of uncertainty and gratitude. We subscribe wholly to the notion that laughter really is the best medicine. We cling to our friendships, marriages and families.
Come rain or shine - we celebrate!
ADVERTISEMENT
