Danish researchers are creating more precise methods to forecast drought conditions. The Danish Meteorological Institute and Aalborg University announced this joint research project.
Denmark experienced its worst modern drought in 2018. That event cost farmers and related industries nearly eight billion kroner.
The research aims to improve drought prediction and management. Scientists want to better monitor when droughts begin and end.
Michael Butts, a researcher at DMI, explained their approach. "Drought involves complex interactions between atmosphere, soil and water systems," he said in a statement. "This project will reveal how droughts start, develop and end."
Researchers will combine DMI's weather monitoring expertise with Aalborg University's hydrological modeling. Hydrological models simulate water movement between Earth and atmosphere.
The team also expects to learn how drought connects to climate change. Maike Schumacher from Aalborg University highlighted the economic risks. "If agricultural production drops, we could see job losses and food price increases," she said.
Initial research results will help scientists, policymakers and authorities working on climate adaptation. The food sector and contractors could also benefit from the findings.
The Denmark Independent Research Fund supports the project with 7.1 million kroner. Researchers plan to deliver first results by summer 2027.
This substantial investment reflects growing concern about climate impacts on Nordic agriculture. Better drought forecasting could significantly reduce future economic losses.