Evolution and Trends of Meteorological Drought and Wet Events over the Republic of Djibouti from 1961 to 2021

Drought is a meteorological and hydrological phenomenon affecting the environment, agriculture, socioeconomic conditions, especially in arid semi-arid regions. A better understanding of drought characteristics over short long timescales therefore crucial for mitigation long-term strategies. For first time, this study evaluates occurrence, duration, intensity Republic Djibouti by using (1961–2021) rainfall time series at Airport, completed CHIRPS precipitation product local records from 35 weather stations. The examined based on Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) Precipitation (SPI) 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 24-month timescales, so as to document short-, medium-, long-duration events. SPEI SPI showed significant drying tendency indices computed 12 24 months Airport. eastern coastal region was most affected increased incidence recent decades, with more than 80% extremely severely dry events occurring within period 2007–2017. In contrast, western regions recorded positive trend their SPIs during 1981–2021, due dominance June–September (JJAS) rains, which tend increase. However, last few whole country experienced droughts 2006/2007 2010/2011, were longest intense record. Large-scale climate variability Indo-Pacific partially affects Djibouti. are significantly positively correlated Indian Ocean Dipole October–December (OND), while JJAS negatively Nino3.4. wet event 2019 (OND) causing devastating floods city linked IOD anomaly. This provides essential information decision-makers plan appropriate strategies early warning systems adapt mitigate recurrent that put country’s agro-pastoral populations precarious situation.