Analysis of meteorological drought with the standardized drought index and the reconnaissance drought index

In this study, meteorological drought analysis was carried out using the data of Adana province and its districts, Kozan, Karaisalı, Ceyhan, Yumurtalık and Karataş meteorological stations between 1970-2021. Using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), the drought occurrence percentages of each station and the distribution rates of different drought classes over the years were determined for the 3, 6 and 12-month time scales. In addition, drought severity, maximum period and occurrence times were determined for the dry and wet periods of each station. Drought occurrence percentages were below 50% in all stations except Karaisalı station. The correlation values between SPI and RDI above 99% showed that SPI, which only uses precipitation data, can be used instead of RDI in the region under consideration. Key Words: Adana, Meteorological Drought, Standardized