Drought evolution in the NW Iberian Peninsula over a 60 year period (1960–2020)

Abstract

Droughts affect the environment, the economy, and society causing socioeconomic problems derived from water scarcity, and actions are therefore required to mitigate them. To efficiently manage water resources, and prevent and mitigate the consequences of water scarcity, it is important to identify and characterize drought events. A study of the evolution of drought episodes over Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula) from 1960 to 2020 was conducted based on data from several rain gauges in the region. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) at different time scales was used to characterize drought conditions. The results revealed an increase in the number of periods under drought conditions and the intensity of drought events towards the end of the period analyzed. The events tended to become longer over time, with a clear increase in the worst drought conditions.