Using daily surface meteorological observation and drought disaster data from 252 national basic meteorological stations located in 14 provinces in Southern China from 1961 to 2015,temporal-spatial variation characteristics of drought disaster influence and the risk change of drought disaster were studied. Based on these analyses, the control strategy and defense countermeasures for drought disaster risks are put forward. The results indicated that annual precipitation in Southern China fluctuated from 1961 to 2015 and no obvious linear trends. However, the average annual precipitation in Southern China is less than that in the period before 21st century, and its oscillation amplitude is increasing. The annual average temperature in the research region showed significant upward trend throughout 1961-2015, and the average surface temperature increasing rate was higher than that of the global average. The temperature has increased since 1976 in the research region, and a temperature mutation point occurred in 1997. Areas with higher risks of drought disaster include most regions in southwest China. With the global warming, the drought frequency and intensity and the drought affected areas have been increasing, as well as the risk of drought disaster. The risk area of secondary high drought disaster was significantly enlarged after the temperature mutation point in 1997. During the next 10 years (20162025),the drought disaster frequency in Southern China could increase. Therefore,the following management measures should be carried out: (1) drought disaster risk management should be strengthened; (2) areas with fragile ecological environment should be restored; (3) major agricultural production areas should be given priority for food production security; (4) the uneven temporal-spatial distribution of water resources and aggravating contradictions between supply and demand should be resolved; and (5) the level of drought disaster risk prevention and control should be improved.