An Investigation of Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Drought Forecasting

Abstract

Following the impact of droughts witnessed during the last decade there is an urgent need to develop a drought management strategy, policy framework, and action plan for Satara District. This study aims to provide a historical baseline using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and meteorological drought maps, and to investigate the spatial and temporal trends using long-term historical precipitation records. Drought is a natural hazard that is difficult to quantify in terms of severity, duration, area and impact. The present study has been designed to evaluate the metrological drought for Man and Khatav (Maharashtra) using the Standard Precipitation index (SPI). The data and information obtained in this area to monitor and forecast drought can also be useful in future to control and reduce the impact of drought on drinking water and agriculture in this region. The SPI is calculated at Mann and Khatav in many series over different periods of time to show drought and drought-free years. The lowest rainfall in Khatav station was less than 200mm, while in Mann; it was about -2.5mm, indicating extremely dry seasons.