World Meteorological Organization

Author: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Drought is an insidious natural hazard characterized by lower than expected or lower than normal precipitation that, when extended over a season or longer period of time, is insufficient to meet the demands of human activities and the environment. Drought is a temporary aberration, unlike aridity, which is a permanent feature of climate. Seasonal aridity, that is, a well-defined dry season, also needs to be distinguished from drought, as these terms are often confused or used interchangeably. The differences need to be understood and properly incorporated in drought monitoring and early warning systems and preparedness plans.