The NIFT index: A new approach to assessing meteorological drought exposure

Droughts, resulting from prolonged deficits in precipitation, significantly impact various societal sectors, highlighting the necessity of accurate monitoring and vulnerability assessment. The NIFT (Number/Intensity/Frequency/Trend) index is introduced as a comprehensive tool for evaluating exposure to meteorological droughts, utilizing ten parameters based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Analysis of 3,090 precipitation series across Brazil from 1970 to 2019 reveals significant spatiotemporal variability and diverse regional trends in precipitation. An increase in the frequency and intensity of drought events is detected, with the Northeast region being the most exposed. Hierarchical cluster analysis underscores distinct regional drought patterns, and correlations with NIFT values show that areas with high precipitation variability are more exposed, while regions with higher and more consistent rainfall are less susceptible. These findings validate the NIFT index's potential as a crucial instrument for meteorological drought monitoring and water resource management, offering valuable insights for global policymakers.