Drought Hazards and Hydrological Variations in the South Hebei Plain of China over the Past 500 Years

High-frequency drought hazards have presented persistent challenges for environmental management and sustainable development in the South Hebei Plain, China. In this paper, the assessment of meteorological droughts in the South Hebei Plain was conducted using a multifaceted approach to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Our results demonstrated that distinct timescale cycles, ranging from centennial–semicentennial to interdecadal variations, can be identified over the past few centuries. These cycles aligned with patterns observed in the middle Yangtze basin and corresponded to regional climatic conditions. The drought cycles in the South Hebei Plain showed significant correlations with variations in the monsoon climate, sunspot activity, global changes, and human disturbances. Changes in the frequency, duration, and intensity of droughts have notably impacted hydrological variations. Extreme droughts, in particular, have heightened concerns about their effects on river systems, potentially increasing the risk of channel migration. This study enhanced our understanding of meteorological hazard patterns in the South Hebei Plain and provided valuable insights into different stages of drought management. It thus can offer lessons for improving drought preparedness and resilience and for formulating adaptive measures to mitigate future droughts and promote regional sustainability.