Spatiotemporal analysis of drought variability based on the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index in the Koshi River Basin, Nepal

Drought is an inevitable condition with negative impacts in the agricultural and climatic sectors, especially developing countries. This study attempts to examine spatial temporal characteristics of drought its trends Koshi River Basin (KRB) Nepal, using standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) over period from 1987 2017. The Mann-Kendall test was used explore SPEI values. illustrated increasing annual seasonal KRB period. Spatially, hill region showed substantial at scales, summer winter. mountain also a significant trend characteristic analysis indicated that maximum duration, intensity, severity events were observed after 2000. Terai presented highest frequency while longest duration. Moreover, extent monthly (drought station proportion 7.6%/10a August), 7.2%/10a summer), 6.7%/10a) scales. findings this can assist local governments, planners, project implementers understanding appropriate mitigation strategies cope impacts.