Abstract
Compound heatwave and drought events pose significant threats to global agriculture and food security. This study investigates the intensification and spatio-temporal shifts of these events across key agricultural regions worldwide, utilizing historical meteorological data and advanced statistical techniques. We analyze trends in the co-occurrence and duration of extreme heat and precipitation deficits, identifying regions with increasing vulnerability. Our findings reveal a significant upward trend in the frequency and intensity of compound heatwave-drought events in many agriculturally vital areas, particularly in the mid-latitudes and semi-arid zones. Spatio-temporal analysis highlights a poleward and eastward shift in the occurrence of these events in some regions, suggesting alterations in atmospheric circulation patterns. For instance, agricultural regions in North America and Eurasia are exhibiting heightened risks. The intensification is characterized by longer durations and higher magnitudes of both heat stress and water scarcity, leading to amplified impacts on crop yields and water resources (Yin et al., 2023; Xu et al., 2024). This research underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies in agricultural management to mitigate the escalating risks associated with these extreme climate phenomena, informing policy and resource management for enhanced resilience.