 This study investigates the relationship between meteorological and hydrological droughts in the United Kingdom. It finds that meteorological droughts tend to be less variable across space, while hydrological droughts tend to last longer and be more severe in certain areas. Additionally, it shows that catchment properties can affect how hydrological droughts develop and propagate. These findings provide insight into how droughts may be monitored and predicted in the UK, and could help inform the development of improved drought monitoring and early warning systems. This article was authored by Elf J Barker, Jay Hannaford, at Chibberton, and others.