Guo et al. (2026) Contiguous evolution and hydroclimatic drivers of compound drought–heatwave events across mainland China

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Hydrology
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-10-01
• Authors: Hao Guo, Ying Cao, Xiangchen Meng, Yunqian Wang, Aminjon Gulakhmadov, Khusen Sh. Gafforov, Philippe De Maeyer
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.136480

Research Groups

School of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, China
Sino-Belgian Joint Laboratory for Geo-information, Rizhao 276826, China
Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower and Ecology, National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Dushanbe 734042, Tajikistan
Scientific Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems, Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100187, Uzbekistan
Department of Geography, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
Sino-Belgian Joint Laboratory for Geo-information, Ghent 9000, Belgium

Short Summary

This study identifies and characterizes compound drought-heatwave events (CDHEs) across mainland China from 1981 to 2024 using a three-dimensional spatiotemporal algorithm. The findings reveal diverse contiguous evolution pathways of CDHEs and provide an event-based basis for risk assessment and impact mitigation.

Objective

• Investigate the contiguous evolution and hydroclimatic drivers of compound drought–heatwave events across mainland China

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Mainland China
• Temporal Scale: 1981–2024

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Three-dimensional spatiotemporal algorithm based on the non-stationary Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (NSPEI) and daily maximum temperature.
• Data sources: Satellite, observation, reanalysis products

Main Results

• A total of 1,711 CDHEs were identified across mainland China during the study period.
• Annual event frequency increased by 0.33 events yr⁻¹.
• The overall intensification was characterized mainly by more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense events rather than a sustained expansion of affected area.
• Four major evolution modes were identified, differing primarily in duration, spatial extent, migration speed, and directional stability.

Contributions

• This study provides an event-based basis for risk assessment and impact mitigation of CDHEs across mainland China.
• The findings demonstrate diverse contiguous evolution pathways of CDHEs and highlight the importance of considering hydroclimatic drivers in understanding these events.

Funding

• This research was funded by [project/program name] with reference code [reference code].

Citation

@article{Guo2026Contiguous,
  author = {Guo, Hao and Cao, Ying and Meng, Xiangchen and Wang, Yunqian and Gulakhmadov, Aminjon and Gafforov, Khusen Sh. and Maeyer, Philippe De},
  title = {Contiguous evolution and hydroclimatic drivers of compound drought–heatwave events across mainland China},
  journal = {Journal of Hydrology},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.136480},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.136480}
}