This study investigates past megadroughts in central Europe using long-term hydrological and meteorological data, as well as paleoclimate reconstructions. The research reveals that central Europe experienced significantly longer and more severe droughts during the Spörer Minimum (1400-1480 AD) and Dalton Minimum (1770-1840 AD) than those observed in the 21st century. These megadroughts are linked to a cold North Atlantic Ocean, enhanced winter atmospheric blocking, reduced solar forcing, and volcanic eruptions. Recent drought events (e.g., 2003, 2015, 2018) fall within the range of natural variability and are not unprecedented over the last millennium.

M. Ionita, M. Dima, V. Nagavciuc, P. Scholz, G. Lohmann