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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-57
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-57
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Preprints
15 Jan 2026
 | 15 Jan 2026
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS).

Brief communication: Atmospheric moisture and near-surface temperature anomalies: key drivers in the 2022 European mega-drought

José C. Fernández-Alvarez, Raquel Nieto, Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano, David Carvalho, and Luis Gimeno

Abstract. Using a Lagrangian framework, we show that the 2022 European drought was driven by a sharp reduction in precipitation contributions from Atlantic and Mediterranean moisture sources, despite enhanced atmospheric moisture uptake. Persistent anticyclonic circulation suppressed convection and diverted moisture away from Europe. Lagrangian temperature-source decomposition reveals strong adiabatic warming as the dominant heat driver. Together, weakened oceanic moisture supply and subsidence-driven warming sustained and intensified the drought.

How to cite. Fernández-Alvarez, J. C., Nieto, R., Vicente-Serrano, S. M., Carvalho, D., and Gimeno, L.: Brief communication: Atmospheric moisture and near-surface temperature anomalies: key drivers in the 2022 European mega-drought, EGUsphere [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-57, 2026.
Received: 05 Jan 2026 – Discussion started: 15 Jan 2026
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José C. Fernández-Alvarez, Raquel Nieto, Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano, David Carvalho, and Luis Gimeno

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José C. Fernández-Alvarez, Raquel Nieto, Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano, David Carvalho, and Luis Gimeno

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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-57-supplement

José C. Fernández-Alvarez, Raquel Nieto, Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano, David Carvalho, and Luis Gimeno

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Short summary

We show that the 2022 European drought was driven by a sharp reduction in precipitation contributions from Atlantic and Mediterranean moisture sources, despite enhanced atmospheric moisture uptake. Persistent anticyclonic circulation suppressed convection and diverted moisture away from Europe. Lagrangian temperature-source decomposition reveals strong adiabatic warming as the dominant heat driver.

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