A Review of Advances in Flash Drought Research: Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

Flash Droughts (FDs) are intense, short-duration drought events with rapid onset and intensification, occurring on subseasonal-to-seasonal timescales (weeks to months) and causing significant socio-economic impacts. Their rapid development poses significant challenges for improving prediction efforts at these timescales. Since the first studies on FDs in 2002, the field has gained significant attention and advanced considerably. Over the past decade, research has progressed from defining FDs to employing advanced methodologies for detecting their onset, monitoring intensification, identifying causes, analyzing physical characteristics, and assessing their broad impacts. Despite these advances, important research gaps still persist. Synthesizing findings from previous FD studies is crucial for recognizing existing limitations, overcoming current challenges, and establishing future research priorities, while also informing mitigation strategies and promoting collaborative efforts. This article offers a systematic and comprehensive review of FD research based on 122 studies published between 2009 and early 2024. It critically examines the distinctions between FDs and traditional droughts, explores the concept and definition of FDs, and reviews advancements in their classification and identification, as well as the associated causes, risks, and challenges in prediction and early forecasting. The review emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration among scientific institutions, stakeholders, and policymakers, suggesting practical mitigation strategies and a framework for an integrated FD information and mitigation system. It also identifies key research gaps and challenges, aiming to support researchers and practitioners in developing sustainable strategies to enhance resilience and improve FD management efforts.