Past megadroughts in central Europe were longer, more severe and less warm than modern droughts

Megadroughts are notable manifestations of the American Southwest, but not so much of the European climate. By using long-term hydrological and meteorological observations, as well as paleoclimate reconstructions, here we show that central Europe has experienced much longer and severe droughts during the Sporer Minimum (similar to AD 1400-1480) and Dalton Minimum (similar to AD 1770-1840), than the ones observed during the 21st century. These two megadroughts appear to be linked with a cold state of the North Atlantic Ocean and enhanced winter atmospheric blocking activity over the British Isles and western part of Europe, concurrent with reduced solar forcing and explosive volcanism. Moreover, we show that the recent drought events (e.g., 2003, 2015, and 2018), are within the range of natural variability and they are not unprecedented over the last millennium.

Automated summary

By utilizing long-term observations and paleoclimate reconstructions, it is found that Central Europe experienced longer and more severe droughts in the past than in the 21st century. These historical megadroughts were associated with cold North Atlantic Ocean conditions, enhanced winter atmospheric blocking activity, reduced solar forcing, and explosive volcanism. Recent drought events are considered to be within the range of natural variability and not unprecedented over the last millennium.