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This study presents a new global gridded dataset of bioclimatic indicators at 0.5° by 0.5° resolution for historical and future conditions. The dataset, called CMCC-BioClimInd, provides a set of 35 bioclimatic indices, expressed as mean values over each time interval, derived from post-processing both climate reanalysis for historical period (1960-1999) and an ensemble of 11 bias corrected CMIP5 simulations under two greenhouse gas concentration scenarios for future climate projections along two periods (2040-2079 and 2060-2099). This new dataset complements the availability of spatialized bioclimatic information, crucial aspect in many ecological and environmental wide scale applications and for several disciplines, including forestry, biodiversity conservation, plant and landscape ecology. The data of individual indicators are publicly available for download in the commonly used Network Common Data Form 4 (NetCDF4) format.

A new multiscale Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) dataset is provided for a reference period (1960–1999) and two future time horizons (2040–2079) and (2060–2099). The historical forcing is based on combined climate observations and reanalysis (WATer and global CHange Forcing Dataset), and the future projections are fed by the Fast Track experiment of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 and by an additional Earth system model (CMCC-CESM) forced by RCP 8.5. To calculate the potential evapotranspiration (PET) input to the SPEI, the Hargreaves–Samani and Thornthwaite equations were adopted. This ensemble considers uncertainty due to different climate models, development pathways, and input formulations. The SPEI is provided for accumulation periods of potential moisture deficit from 1 to 18 months starting in each month of the year, with a focus on the within-period variability, excluding long-term warming effects on PET. In addition to supporting drought analyses, this dataset is also useful for assessing wetter-than-normal conditions spanning one or more months. The SPEI was calculated using the SPEIbase package. Dataset: https://doi.org/10.25424/cmcc-mfd5-t060 (accessed on 3 February 2023). Dataset License: The dataset is made available under license CC-BY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]