Extreme Weather Events and their Effects on Crop Yield: A Critical Review

Abstract

Rising global temperatures have altered the frequency, intensity and spatial distribution of extreme weather events, with direct and measurable consequences for agricultural productivity worldwide. This review synthesises evidence on how heatwaves, drought, flooding, tropical cyclones and their compound or sequential combinations affect the yield of major cereal and grain legume crops, with particular attention to wheat, maize, rice and soybean. Physiological mechanisms underlying yield loss are examined alongside field- and satellite-derived evidence of production shortfalls, and the modulating role of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is considered. The review further evaluates adaptation strategies, including climate-smart agriculture, breeding for abiotic stress tolerance and agronomic management, and identifies the growing recognition that compound extremes, rather than single hazards, now pose the greatest threat to global food security. Evidence indicates that yield penalties associated with extreme heat, water deficit and excess soil moisture are often non-linear and interact with crop developmental stage, soil condition and regional climate. The review concludes that closing gaps in compound-event attribution, regionally disaggregated yield data and the integration of adaptation research across disciplines remains essential for safeguarding future food production under a changing climate.