What term describes a long period of dry weather?

• A. Floods
• B. Pests
• C. Disease
• D. Drought

Answer: (D)

A long period of dry weather is called drought. Drought happens when rainfall is well below the average for an extended time, leading to a shortage of water in soil, rivers, and groundwater. This moisture loss hurts crop growth because plants can’t take up enough water, so yields fall and food supplies can be at risk. It also strains water supplies for people, livestock, and farming activities. There are different ways to look at it: meteorological drought focuses on rainfall deficits, agricultural drought on soil moisture being too low for crops, and hydrological drought on reduced surface and groundwater. Causes include persistent high-pressure weather patterns and larger climate variations, like El Niño. Farmers respond with drought-tolerant crops, improved irrigation efficiency, water conservation, and planning to reduce risk. Floods involve excess water, while pests and disease refer to other problems affecting crops.