Aim of the study:
The aim of the study is to analyze droughts in Požega, their temporal evolution, and their influence on the daily discharge of the Orljava River, which flows through the city. Additionally, the study discusses the possible implications for hydropower potential.

Material and methods:
In this paper, the analysis of droughts in the period from 1961 to 2024 is based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), which was calculated for Požega, a city located in the continental part of Croatia. Results obtained with SPEI were compared with those from another drought index, the New Drought Index (NDI). Further analysis of both indices across all time scales was provided using the RAPS (rescaled adjusted partial sums) method, and the daily discharge of the Orljava River were analyzed based on the obtained subperiods. An index representing hydrological drought – Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) – was also calculated for the Orljava River (station Požega).

Results and conclusions:
The results showed that there are two statistically different subperiods regarding drought occurrence: from 1961 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2024. The second subperiod is characterized by lower SPEI and NDI values, indicating more severe drought conditions. Based on daily discharges from the Orljava River, discharges are calculated for the entire period and for two subperiods identified through drought analysis, corresponding to 50% and 70% probability of occurrence. The lowest discharges are observed during the second subperiod, which was also characterized by more intense drought conditions. These results underscore the impact drought has, indicating constraints for hydropower development.