Which regions experienced major droughts during the Little Ice Age?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

During the Little Ice Age (early 14th century to mid-19th century), the climate was characterized by significant regional variability in moisture and temperature rather than uniform cooling. While some areas experienced colder conditions, others faced extended periods of drought and increased precipitation variability.12

Regions that experienced major droughts during this interval include:

  • Southern Europe: Parts of this region endured droughts alongside season-long periods of heavy rainfall.1
  • North America: The Mississippi Valley experienced drier conditions, which contributed to a decline in local Native American cultures and a shift from agriculture to hunting.12
  • Africa and Asia: Evidence indicates that multiyear droughts occurred in equatorial Africa and parts of Central and South Asia during this period.12

It is important to note that these moisture extremes were part of a broader global pattern of climatic instability, which also included glacier expansion in various mountain ranges and fluctuating temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere.12