CMIP6 drought indices
Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index data are also available
ECCC’s Climate Research Division (CRD) has produced multiple drought indices and intermediate datasets for Canada. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Standardized Runoff Index (SRI), Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSI), potential evapotranspiration (PET), water balance (monthly precipitation minus PET), climate moisture index (CMI; annual precipitation minus PET), actual surface soil moisture and runoff are all available at a 1x1 degree grid resolution. Drought indices are available for multiple time scales.
Information:
- Standardized drought indices should be interpreted as a relative measure of surface water surplus or deficit with respect to hydroclimate conditions of the reference period.
- The reference period for the three indices is 1950-2014.
- PET was calculated with the Penman-Monteith equation.
- Indices are available at an approximate 1x1 degree grid resolution for the landmass of Canada at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month time scales. A time scale of 24 months is also available for SPEI. CMI is available at an annual temporal resolution and all other datasets are available at a monthly temporal resolution.
- Please see the model list for a summary of the models available for each variable.
- Please see the technical notes for more information on the development and recommended use of the CMIP6 drought indices.