As the consequence of global warming,China has been affected by extreme weather events more frequently.In recent years,the severe drought events have caused significant economic losses and serious social impact in southwest China,which attracted great attention from the government departments and the scientific community.This research subject is of significant importance and great theoretical value as its findings will reveal the trends and main causes of drought in southwest China,and will provide basis for predicting and establishing early warning system.This paper summarizes the research advances of drought in southwest China,analyzes the characteristics and possible causes of drought,points out the remaining problems with the purpose to provide reference for future research work.