Teleconnection driven drought to flood sequences and spatially compound events in urban water systems for resilient cities

Cities worldwide face increasing exposure to compound hydro climatic extremes. This review synthesises evidence that droughts and floods are frequently linked through large-scale climate teleconnections including ENSO, the Indian Ocean Dipole, the Madden-Julian Oscillation, and decadal modes. The interactions among these modes produce sequential and compound events with distinctive consequences for urban water systems and communities. I examine physical mechanisms by which teleconnections alter antecedent moisture and storage, modulate storm tracks and precipitation intensity, and create predictable windows of elevated multi-hazard risk. Drawing on recent advances in climate diagnostics, hydrology, and urban practice, I evaluate operational strategies for anticipatory management: integrating teleconnection-aware seasonal and sub seasonal forecasts into decision support systems; diversifying storage through mixed portfolios and managed aquifers; adopting modular stormwater controls and nature-based solutions that perform across dry and wet states; and strengthening governance, finance, and community engagement to enable rapid, equitable responses. I identify research priorities to accelerate implementation, including coupled climate-hydrology-urban modelling, expanded urban observational networks, co-production of forecast-triggered decision rules, and equity-centered pilot trials. By reframing urban water resilience as a teleconnection-aware, multi-hazard problem, this review offers a coherent, practical, actionable roadmap for cities to transition from reactive crisis response to anticipatory, equitable resilience.