Assessment and monitoring of drought conditions in a TR82 region in Türkiye using precipitation-based drought indices: MCZI and PNI

Drought is a multifaceted phenomenon with meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological dimensions, often resulting in significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. As a key indicator of climate change, understanding drought patterns is essential for effective water resource management. This study investigates drought trends in T & uuml;rkiye's TR82 region by analyzing precipitation data from 10 meteorological stations over the period 1981-2023. Two precipitation-based drought indices, the Modified China-Z Index (MCZI) and the Percent of Normal Index (PNI), were applied to evaluate the spatiotemporal characteristics of drought in the region. Results reveal recurrent drought episodes, notably in 1981-82, 1985-86, 1989-90, 1992-94, 1996, 2003-04, 2006-08, 2013, 2017, 2020, and 2022, highlighting the persistent nature of drought in the TR82 region. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of MCZI and PNI for regional drought assessment and underscores the importance of proactive drought preparedness and strategic planning to mitigate future impacts in this climate-sensitive area.