Heatwaves that trigger sudden, damaging droughts are spreading globally at an accelerating rate, a new study indicates. Researchers found that the combination of extreme heat followed by drought, a dangerous "one-two punch," is increasing as the planet warms. This specific type of compound extreme, where heat strikes first and causes drought, surged from approximately 2.5% of Earth's land in the 1980s to 16.7% by 2023.
The rate of this increase is eight times higher in the last 22 years compared to the preceding two decades. These "flash droughts," which develop rapidly, leave little time for preparation and are more destructive. Scientists suggest the rapid escalation in these events may indicate Earth has crossed an irreversible "tipping point."
The biggest increases in heat-first droughts have been observed in South America, western Canada, Alaska, the western United States, and parts of central and eastern Africa.