The application of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to monitor drought in surface and groundwaters

The paper presents the initial studies with the aim to assess the possibility to apply of Standardized Precipitation Index SPI to monitor drought in surface and groundwaters. The fact that data about precipitation are highly available allows for precise monitoring of the periods of occurrence and intensification of meteorological drought by determining the standardized SPI index. The evaluation of current water deficits in surface water courses and groundwaters is very difficult due to the fact that the measurement network is relatively scarce. In order to apply SPI to monitor hydrological and hydrogeological drought, it is required to assess the significance and level of the correlation between drought indices in the test area and then to calculate the probability of correct determination of drought in surface and groundwaters with use of SPI.