Droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe across the Northern Great Plains.
Although more rainfall is expected overall, warming temperatures will increase evaporative demand, leading to more frequent and severe drought in the future. Some of the negative effects of drying may be offset by the increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, which can stimulate plant growth and increase water-use efficiency. Soil water availability during the growing season is expected to increase for the northern parts of this region, and decrease in southern parts.