Droughts That Start Over the Ocean? They’re Often Worse Than Those That Form Over Land

When droughts form over oceans and then more ashore, they are often more intense and longer-lasting than purely land-born dry spells. That’s according to a new study that found that between 1981 and 2018, about 1 in 6 droughts started over water before moving to land. The findings could help provide early warnings for vulnerable communities.