An extended period of well-below-average rainfall is known as a

A. draft.

B. drought.

C. heat wave.

D. flood.

The answer is (B) drought.

A drought is a deficiency in precipitation that occurs over an extended period. Droughts, while experienced in most climates from time to time, cause extensive damage when an area experiences repeated and long standing periods of drought. The lack of precipitation affects animal life and plant life, including human food resources. The results can be devastating and it is because of these reasons that droughts are thought to be the most damaging of weather patterns.