| SPEI value | Drought severity class |
| 2.0+ | Extremely wet |
| 1.5 to 1.99 | Very wet |
| 1.0 to1.49 | Moderately wet |
| 0.99 to − 0.99 | Normal |
| −1.0 to −1.49 | moderately dry |
| − 1.5 to −1.99 | Very dry |
| −2.0+ | Extremely dry |