Substantial increase in concurrent droughts and heatwaves in the United States

A combination of climate events (e.g., low precipitation and high temperatures) may cause a significant impact on the ecosystem and society, although individual events involved may not be severe extremes themselves. Analyzing historical changes in concurrent climate extremes is critical to preparing for and mitigating the negative effects of climatic change and variability. This study focuses on the changes in concurrences of heatwaves and meteorological droughts from 1960 to 2010. Despite an apparent hiatus in rising temperature and no significant trend in droughts, we show a substantial increase in concurrent droughts and heatwaves across most parts of the United States, and a statistically significant shift…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: EAR-1316536, 1316536
• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  Award: NA14OAR4310222
• DO
  Division of Earth Sciences

  Award: EAR-1316536