This study examines the characteristics and life cycle of agricultural flash droughts globally, using ERA5 data to introduce a flash drought indicator based on soil water availability. The indicator integrates root-zone soil moisture and hydraulic soil properties, such as field capacity and wilting point, to couple rapid soil moisture depletion and plant water stress. The findings reveal that agricultural flash droughts predominantly occur during critical growth periods of crops, with a similar life cycle regardless of location or climatic regime. Precipitation deficits are the primary cause of rapid soil moisture depletion, while evapotranspiration also plays a significant role. The study identifies eight regions with high annual frequencies of agricultural flash droughts: Southern China, central-eastern Europe, India, southeastern South America, southern Russia, central-eastern USA, northern South America, and southeastern Asia. These regions experience frequent flash droughts during the growing season, particularly in spring and summer. The physical evolution of agricultural flash droughts is characterized by a rapid decline in soil moisture, followed by an intensification period where evapotranspiration decreases due to water stress. The study highlights the importance of understanding the common features of flash droughts to improve prediction and management.This study examines the characteristics and life cycle of agricultural flash droughts globally, using ERA5 data to introduce a flash drought indicator based on soil water availability. The indicator integrates root-zone soil moisture and hydraulic soil properties, such as field capacity and wilting point, to couple rapid soil moisture depletion and plant water stress. The findings reveal that agricultural flash droughts predominantly occur during critical growth periods of crops, with a similar life cycle regardless of location or climatic regime. Precipitation deficits are the primary cause of rapid soil moisture depletion, while evapotranspiration also plays a significant role. The study identifies eight regions with high annual frequencies of agricultural flash droughts: Southern China, central-eastern Europe, India, southeastern South America, southern Russia, central-eastern USA, northern South America, and southeastern Asia. These regions experience frequent flash droughts during the growing season, particularly in spring and summer. The physical evolution of agricultural flash droughts is characterized by a rapid decline in soil moisture, followed by an intensification period where evapotranspiration decreases due to water stress. The study highlights the importance of understanding the common features of flash droughts to improve prediction and management.