The drought of 1988 was widespread throughout the agricultural regions of the United States and Canada and had significant impacts on agricultural production, forestry, natural ecosystems, and water availability. The potential serious effects of the developing drought initiated a number of federal government responses (The Drought of 1988 and Beyond). Combined direct and indirect deaths (i.e., excess mortality) due to heat stress estimated at 5,000. — NOAA: Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
Date of event: June-August 1988
Impact:
- CPI-Adjusted Estimated Cost: $42.4 billion
- Deaths: 454
Related Resources:
HSDL Search: Severe Drought
Photo: Map of drought conditions in the contiguous U.S. in August 1988 (NOAA)