Meteorological drought is defined on the basis of the degree of dryness, in comparison to a normal or average amount, and the duration of the dry period. Definitions of meteorological drought must be region-specific.

Agricultural drought links various characteristics of meteorological drought to agricultural impacts, focusing on precipitation shortages, differences between actual and potential evapotranspiration, soil-water deficits, reduced groundwater or reservoir levels.

Hydrological drought refers to a persistently low discharge and/or volume of water in streams and reservoirs, lasting months or years.

Socioeconomic drought associates the supply and demand of some economic good with elements of meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought.