Keetch-Byram Drought Index Seasonal Initialization

The Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service maintains estimates for a number of parameters associated with the Palmer Drought Index.  These data can be used to determine a starting value for KBDI.  Click here to get a summary of suggested KBDI values by climate division. The Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service maintains estimates for a number of parameters associated with the Palmer Drought Index. These data can be used to determine a starting value for KBDI. These data are available at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/cdus/palmer_drought We have developed an automated system to provide recommended KBDI initialization values for each of the four regions defined by the CPC. Click the region below for the summary: Central Climate Region Eastern Climate Region Western Climate Region Southern Climate Region KBDI starting values are assumed to be linearly related to percentage changes soil moisture expressed as a proportion of field capacity. The following equation is used to estimate KBDI: KBDI = 8 * (100 - FC). Click the CPC link above for a complete description of the climate divisions

 

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