Application of SPEI Index in Drought Evolution in Fujian Province

Abstract In recent years, global warming has significantly increased the number of extreme weather and climatic drought events. Therefore, based on the meteorological monitoring data of 19 stations in Fujian province from 1959 to 2011, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI index) was obtained to analyse the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of drought in Fujian province during the past 50 years. The results showed that the trend of climate warming in Fujian province in recent 50 years was obvious. Except for Xiamen, all the other stations showed an insignificant drying trend. The variation of SPEI index in recent 50 years shows that the dry and wet state of Fujian province did not change significantly before 2000, while the SPEI index was mostly negative after 2000, which showed a trend of drought. This study will provide an important scientific basis for scientific prediction of future surface moisture and water resources utilization and protection in Fujian province.