Climate Change

How can we mitigate the impact of flash droughts?

Flash droughts are a type of drought that develops quickly and can have a devastating impact on agriculture.

Flash droughts develop quickly and can have a devastating impact on agriculture. Image: Unsplash/Mike Erskine

Jeff Basara
Associate Professor of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma
Jordan Christian
Postdoctoral Researcher in Meteorology, University of Oklahoma
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Stunted corn in Nebraska struggles to grow during the 2012 flash drought that covered much of the central U.S.
Stunted corn in Nebraska struggles to grow during the 2012 flash drought that covered much of the central U.S. Image: AP Photo/Nati Harnik

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Climate models indicate that more land will be in flash drought in every region in the coming decades. Three scenarios show how low (SSP126), medium (SSP245) and high (SSP585) emissions are likely to affect the amount of land in flash drought. In some regions, rising global emissions will bring more extreme rainfall, offsetting drought.
Climate models indicate that more land will experience flash drought in every region in the coming decades. Image: Jordan Christian

During Europe’s flash drought in 2022, floating houses were left sitting on a dry riverbed in the Netherlands.
During Europe’s flash drought in 2022, floating houses were left sitting on a dry riverbed in the Netherlands. Image: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
Before NASA. A flash drought developed in the span of a few weeks in 2019.
Before NASA. A flash drought developed in the span of a few weeks in 2019. Image: NASA Earth Observatory
After NASA. A flash drought developed in the span of a few weeks in 2019.
After NASA. A flash drought developed in the span of a few weeks in 2019. Image: NASA Earth Observatory

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Related topics:
Climate ChangeAgriculture, Food and BeverageFuture of the Environment
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