Past megadroughts in central Europe were longer, more severe and less warm than modern droughts

Abstract Megadroughts are notable manifestations of the American Southwest, but not so much European climate. By using long-term hydrological and meteorological observations, as well paleoclimate reconstructions, here we show that central Europe has experienced longer severe droughts during Spörer Minimum (~AD 1400–1480) Dalton 1770–1840), than ones observed 21st century. These two megadroughts appear to be linked with a cold state North Atlantic Ocean enhanced winter atmospheric blocking activity over British Isles western part Europe, concurrent reduced solar forcing explosive volcanism. Moreover, recent drought events (e.g., 2003, 2015, 2018), within range natural variability they unprecedented last millennium.