<p>The Yunnan region of Southwest China has experienced frequent droughts in recent years. However, current studies have limited understanding of the characteristics and potential feedback mechanisms of cloud-radiation processes during these drought periods. This study analyzes cloud-radiation-precipitation changes during the extreme drought period from April to June 2019 in Yunnan, using reanalysis data and satellite-derived data. The study explores the changes in cloud-radiation throughout the rainy season and their relationship with regional precipitation and potential feedback effects. The results indicate that dominant anomalous subsidence and reduced water vapor transport were the primary causes of severe drought in Yunnan from April to June 2019, leading to a cumulative decrease in precipitation of 149.11&#xa0;mm. During the drought period, Yunnan region experienced particularly strong subsidence and significant reductions in water vapor inflow. Compared to historical data, the optical thickness of clouds in the region decreased by 0.9, the liquid water path was reduced by 12.69&#xa0;g m^− 2, and the effective radius of liquid water particles also declined 0.89 <InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <EquationSource Format="TEX">\(\upmu\text{m}\)</EquationSource> </InlineEquation>. These changes hindered cloud formation, resulting in decreased cloud cover and a weakened cloud radiative cooling effect. It is found that total cloud cover during the extreme drought period decreased by 8.54% relative to historical averages. Surface shortwave cloud radiative forcing decreased by 17.78&#xa0;W m^− 2, and net surface cloud radiative forcing dropped by 14.82&#xa0;W m^− 2, with an average surface temperature increase of 1.33&#xa0;°C. The diminished cooling effect of clouds results in more solar radiation reaching the surface, causing an anomalous rise in surface temperature. This, in turn, led to decreased soil moisture and reduced local water vapor evaporation, further intensifying and sustaining the drought in Yunnan.</p>