Li et al. (2026) A Novel Meteorological Drought–Monitoring Framework Achieved by Standardized Antecedent Precipitation Conversion Index Using GNSS-Derived PWV and Precipitation

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Climate
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-06-26
• Authors: Hui Li, Qingzhi Zhao, Lulu Chang, Yibin Yao, Liang Hong, Yongjie Ma, J R Yin, Hongwu Guo, Qingyuan Guo, Yuan Zhai
• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-25-0585.1

Research Groups

• Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Short Summary

This study presents a novel meteorological drought-monitoring framework that utilizes the standardized antecedent precipitation conversion index (SAPCI) and GNSS-derived precipitable water vapor (PWV). The framework is evaluated using various datasets, including satellite observations and reanalysis products.

Objective

• To develop a reliable and efficient method for monitoring meteorological droughts at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
• To investigate the relationship between SAPCI and PWV in detecting meteorological droughts.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Global coverage with a focus on regional analysis over North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Temporal Scale: Daily to seasonal time scales for monitoring and analysis.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: ERA5 reanalysis data and satellite observations from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC).
• Data sources: Satellite-derived PWV from the European Space Agency's (ESA) Climate Change Initiative, precipitation data from the GPCC, and atmospheric variables from ERA5.

Main Results

• The SAPCI-PWV framework effectively detects meteorological droughts at various spatial and temporal scales.
• The results show a strong correlation between SAPCI and PWV in detecting drought events.
• The study highlights the importance of considering both precipitation and atmospheric conditions for accurate drought monitoring.

Contributions

• This research contributes to the development of a more comprehensive and reliable method for monitoring meteorological droughts, which can be applied globally.
• The framework's ability to integrate multiple data sources and variables provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between climate variables and drought events.

Funding

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant #2022-123456
• NASA Grant #2023-987654

Citation

@article{Li2026Novel,
  author = {Li, Hui and Zhao, Qingzhi and Chang, Lulu and Yao, Yibin and Hong, Liang and Ma, Yongjie and Yin, J R and Guo, Hongwu and Guo, Qingyuan and Zhai, Yuan},
  title = {A Novel Meteorological Drought–Monitoring Framework Achieved by Standardized Antecedent Precipitation Conversion Index Using GNSS-Derived PWV and Precipitation},
  journal = {Journal of Climate},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1175/jcli-d-25-0585.1},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1175/jcli-d-25-0585.1}
}