Middle East: Moderate to exceptional water deficits are forecast through Aug 2016, particularly March through May

The 12-month composite map (below) shows the predominance of moderate to exceptional water deficits that are forecast across much of the Middle East through August 2016. 

The 3-month composites (below) for the same 12-month period show the evolving conditions in more detail. Widespread exceptional deficits on the Arabian Peninsula are forecast to diminish in severity December through February. During this period deficits in Turkey are forecast to spread to most of the country, though surpluses are forecast to persist in the east. Surpluses are also expected to persist in Iran along the Caspian Sea and in the western province of Kermanshah. From March through May deficits are forecast to increase in severity with exceptional deficits forecast for eastern Yemen/western Oman, United Arab Emirates, and central Iran. From June through August the forecast indicates water deficits throughout the entire Middle East. (It should be noted that forecast skill declines with longer lead times.)