Based on the theoretical analysis of the characteristics of the comprehensive monitoring index of meteorological drought (IMCI), together with drought characteristics in Hubei Province, the IMCI proposed by the National Climate Center (NCC) is modified for use in Hubei Province, and then tested in the aspects of the statistic characteristics of droughts and the diagnosis capability of typical drought processes through comparing with the commonly used compound meteorological drought index (ICI). Results show that there is no significant difference between IMCI and ICI in the general conclusion of drought monitoring, but IMCI shows a slower rate than ICI in drought development, and IMCI performs better at characterizing long term severe droughts. In addition, the modified IMCI has effectively corrected the insensitivity of the NCC IMCI in detecting of the occurrence, development and relief of droughts as well as its overestimate of drought severity, and the modified IMCI is no more too sensitive to precipitation compared to ICI. However, both indexes still tend to too sensitive to small precipitation in winter season and there are unreasonable phenomena: sudden enhancement of droughts in both. The results suggest that it is advisable to perform a proper evaluation and modification if necessary before applying IMCI to a new specific region.