"Droughts have occurred throughout history, but in recent years meteorologists have discovered a new and distinct form of this old threat: flash droughts. Flash droughts came to prominence in the 2010s, with Prof Jason Otkin of the University of Wisconsin proposing a formal definition in 2018: a period of less than three weeks in which the moisture level in the top 40 centimetres of soil drops severely enough to affect vegetation."
"Flash droughts are distinguished by rapid drying out of the ground by a combination of high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity. This is severe enough to make plants start to wilt vegetation stress and affect agriculture. Subsequent work has refined the statistical measurements, but the original definition stands. While flash droughts have a rapid onset, they are not necessarily over quickly."
Flash droughts are rapid-onset events occurring in less than three weeks when moisture in the top 40 centimetres of soil falls sharply enough to impair vegetation. They result from a combination of high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity that accelerate soil drying. Flash droughts can initiate longer, damaging dry spells, elevate wildfire risk and abruptly reduce water available for human and agricultural use. Statistical measures have been refined since the initial definition, but the core criteria remain the same. Effective response requires better forecasting and warnings, alongside improved water management and more efficient irrigation.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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