Identifying and Analysing Flash Drought Events in Europe

Flash droughts differ from traditional droughts in their sudden onset, short duration, and rapid intensification. Flash drought develops quickly due to extreme weather conditions that accelerate moisture loss. Flash droughts occur when elevated evapotranspiration (ET) rates - driven by extreme temperatures, strong winds, and intense solar radiation - combine with little to no precipitation, leading to a rapid decrease in soil moisture. When this situation persists for several days to weeks, ET shifts from being energy-dependent to moisture-dependent, triggering the abrupt onset of a flash drought. This transition results in increased vegetation stress, which can severely impact plant health and agricultural productivity.

Despite advancements in the study of flash droughts, standardized methods for their detection and classification are still under development. Our research focuses on identifying flash drought events across Europe using both observational and reanalysis datasets (e.g. E-OBS and ERA5). By analysing multiple variables, we aim to assess the spatial extent, frequency, duration, and severity of these events, offering a more detailed and deeper understanding of their behaviour.

At this stage, our research is focused on refining to the methodology for detecting flash droughts, ensuring that it accurately captures their occurrence and key characteristics. We are systematically evaluating different detection criteria and improving our analytical techniques to enhance the reliability of our findings. This effort aims to establish a more consistent and robust framework for identifying flash droughts across different climatic conditions.

Enhancing detection techniques and improving classification methods will contribute to a more systematic approach to monitoring flash droughts. Given their significant impact on agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems, gaining deeper insight into their dynamics is crucial for improving risk management and developing effective mitigation strategies in Europe.