Analysis of drought in northwestern Bangladesh using standardized precipitation index and its relation to Southern oscillation index

The study explored droughts using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in the northwestern region of Bangladesh, which is the drought prone area. In order to assess the trend and variability of monthly rainfall, as well as 3-month scale SPI, non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) tests and continuous wavelet transform were used respectively. The effect of climatic parameters on the drought in this region was also evaluated using SPI, with the Southern Oscilation Index (SOI) by means of the wavelet coherence technique, a relatively new and powerful tool for describing processes. The MK test showed no statistically significant monthly rainfall trends in the selected stations, whereas the seasonal MK test showed a declining rainfall trend in Bogra, Ishurdi, Rangpur and Sayedpur stations respectively. Sen's slope of six stations also provided a decreasing rainfall trend. The trend of the SPI, as well as Sen's slope indicated an increasing dryness trend in this area. Dominant periodicity of 3-month scale SPI at 8 to 16 months, 16 to 32 months, and 32 to 64 months were observed in the study area. The outcomes from this study contribute to hydrologists to establish strategies, priorities and proper use of water resources.