Comparison of temporal changes in aridity in European and African regions

Recurring droughts under climate variability pose increasing challenges for drinking-water supply and irrigation. This study compares the temporal dynamics of aridity in selected European and African regions. Although these areas lie within similar latitude bands according to the IPCC SREX classification, they differ substantially in climate regimes and adaptive capacity. Aridity dynamics are assessed using key hydroclimatic variables—precipitation, temperature, evaporation and potential evapotranspiration—together with established aridity indices. Temporal changes are analyzed, and the stochastic structure of climatic variability is evaluated within the Hurst–Kolmogorov framework. The results are interpreted in relation to regional water infrastructure and its role in shaping the capacity to cope with evolving aridity conditions.