Abstract:Based on the daily precipitation, temperature, and soil relative humidity data of 77 stations in Anhui Province from 1981 to 2016, the Gomprehensive Meteorological Drought Index (MCI_anhui) for dry season (October to March) and flood season (April to September) is constructed by using the correlation and principal component analysis methods. In respects of the frequency distribution, evolution of drought days, illogical jumping times and typical drought processes for representative stations, the applicability of four meteorological drought indices in Anhui is analyzed through contrasts. The results show that the MCI_anhui is superior to others in reflecting the meteorological drought with heavier grades, which can well diagnose typical drought years in the history of Anhui. The number of drought days calculated from this index shows that droughts in the areas along and north of the Huaihe River occurred mostly in summer and late spring, while in the areas between Huaihe and Yangtze River, droughts mainly occurred in late spring and early summer, and in the areas along and south of the Yangtze River, droughts mainly occurred in autumn. The illogical jumping times of all drought processes in 36 years were less than 10 In terms of its sensitivity to precipitation during typical drought processes, it is represented that the MCI_anhui with less illogical jumping times is not only superior to others in reflecting slowly progressive characteristics of drought, but also less excessively sensitive during the later period of drought. In general, the MCI_anhui has a better ability to identify and diagnose drought processes and favorable applicability in Anhui Province.