Consistent Trends in Dry Spell Length in Recent Observations and Future Projections

We identify global observed changes in dry-spell characteristics that are consistent with future projections and involve common physical drivers. Future of longer dry spells the season increase vegetation water stress can negatively impact perennial vegetation. Lengthening up to ?2 days per decade over South America southern Africa shortening similar magnitude West display a qualitatively pattern projected under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2-4.5 intermediate greenhouse gas emissions scenario. By combining range present-day climate model experiments, recent trends linked both natural human-caused Longer associated relative warming North Atlantic sea surface temperatures amplified land compared adjacent oceans; which continue further warming, suggesting driver for projections.