- The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) indicates how unusual the amount of accumulated precipitation is, compared to the historical record over a given time scale.
- The Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) indicates how unusual a combination of precipitation and evapotranspiration (the atmospheric demand for water) is, compared to the historical record over a given time scale.
- The Palmer Drought Severity Index represents drought severity, framed from the perspective of soil moisture or dryness. The Palmer metrics are computed based upon a location’s recent precipitation, recent atmospheric evaporative demands, and its soil characteristics.
For each of the three indices described above, negative scores indicate drier conditions, and positive scores indicate wetter conditions.
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North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) offer regular assessments on drought status for the state .
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170119050957im_/https://www.drought.gov/drought/sites/drought.gov.drought/files/grid-blocks/img_SERCH.jpg?hash=5ab58e8e)
SERCH is an alert service to indicate changes in climate conditions, particularly drought, from the Southeast Regional Climate Hub. Sign up here.