The information presented here highlights the findings of a drought history study in support of the Governor's Drought Task Force activities, such as determining triggers for drought mitigation and response actions, based on observed hydroclimatic and other information. The material is intended to provide the relevant climatology background for non-specialists, and it is presented in a top ten or frequently asked question format. The questions and answers cover the major climate-related aspects of drought including long-term averages, seasonality, interannual and long-term spatial and temporal drought variations, extremes, and causes of climatic variability. The answers to each question include bulleted Quick Answers followed by a concise explanation of more detailed information. Example figures are presented within the text.

Weather conditions in Arizona can find you driving in sunny, moderate climates of the low desert to ice and snow of the mountain regions in a couple of hours. The Arizona Department of Transportation wants to make sure that your travel throughout the state is safe and enjoyable, no matter what the climate. We offer the enclosed winter driving information to ensure that you save the slipping and sliding for the slopes and not the roadways.