Perspectives on the Definition of Drought
Much of the confusion about drought results from various perspectives of how to define it. The beginning and
end of a drought are hard to recognize because drought is a gradual phenomenon. The effects of drought often
accumulate slowly as a dry period begins and may linger after expected rainfall patterns have resumed. Most
drought definitions are based on 1) meteorological observations, 2) agricultural problems, 3) hydrological
conditions and/or 4) socioeconomic considerations (Wilhite and Glantz 1985). Perception of drought, therefore,
depends on how the nuances of these 4 perspectives are blended.