From 2006 to 2008, the Southeastern United States experienced a drought. It was caused by an unusually strong Bermuda High pressure and by the timing of La Niña, which causes dry conditions across the Southern United States. 2007 was particularly dry across the region, with rivers and lakes dropping to record-low levels and many of them drying up completely.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying 2006–08 Southeastern United States drought alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
See what is happening right now on the live world incident map, browse every droughts we track on the Drought tracker, or follow live incidents in United States.