Towards Understanding Variability in Droughts in Response to Extreme Climate Conditions over the Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Pakistan

Here, we provided a comprehensive analysis of long-term drought and climate extreme patterns in the agro ecological zones (AEZs) Pakistan during 1980–2019. Drought trends were investigated using standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) at various timescales (SPEI-1, SPEI-3, SPEI-6, SPEI-12). The results showed that droughts (seasonal annual) more persistent severe southern, southwestern, southeastern, central parts region. exacerbated with slopes ?0.02, ?0.07, ?0.08, ?0.01, ?0.02 per year. prevailed all AEZs spring season. majority Pakistan’s middle, southwestern regions had experienced substantial warming. mean annual temperature minimum (Tmin) increased faster than maximum (Tmax) zones. Precipitation decreased northern, central, Principal component (PCA) revealed robust increase extremes variance 76% decrease 91% Temperature indices strong Pearson correlation events. Higher temperatures resulted (dry conditions), while higher levels wetting conditions (no drought) different AEZs. In most AEZs, occurrences responsive to precipitation. current findings are helpful for mitigation strategies specific zonal efforts needed alleviate environmental societal impacts drought.