flash drought

[ flash drout ]

noun

1. a destructive period of extremely dry weather that forms unusually quickly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flash drought¹

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

Sudden, severe dry spells known as flash droughts are rising in intensity around the world, with a notable exception in mountainous Central Asia, where flash drought extent is shrinking, according to new research.

From Science Daily

The new study is the first to apply a systematic, quantitative approach to the global incidence of flash drought, mapping hotspots and regions of rapid increases in recent decades.

From Science Daily

"The metrics can be used by early warning systems to incorporate rates of change in flash drought characteristics in risk assessment and disaster preparedness."

From Science Daily

South America, particularly southern Brazil and the Amazon, is experiencing strong intensification in all three dimensions of flash drought, aligning with deforestation patterns in the region, high temperatures and less rain.

From Science Daily

Land cover is also important to flash drought vulnerability.

From Science Daily