Meteorological Drought Variability over Africa from Multisource Datasets

This study analyses the spatiotemporal variability of meteorological drought over Africa and its nine climate subregions from an ensemble 19 multisource datasets (gauge-based, satellite-based reanalysis) period 1983–2014. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) is used to represent on a 3-month scale. We analyse various characteristics (duration, events, frequency, intensity, severity) for all months, moderate, severe, extreme conditions. results show that occurs across continent, with equatorial regions displaying more negative SPI values, especially moderate severe droughts. On other hand, Eastern Sahara Western Southern portray less values. also reveals months have largest interannual variability, followed by months. trend analysis shows significantly increasing in episodes most Africa, tropical areas. Drought vary greatly different some areas experiencing longer droughts than others. region has highest number durations low events but leading overall higher severity area. In contrast, Madagascar display consistently categories. demonstrates importance conducting levels instead using management adaptation strategies need enhance community resilience changing situations consider order mitigate impacts continent.