CFS2_R201502

Current Water Anomalies: Brazil

It is widely known that Brazil is in the midst of a crippling drought.  The map is based on 3 months of observed data (Dec14-Feb15) and nine months of forecast data (Mar15-Nov15).  It shows that the drought is likely to continue through November.  This will severely stress the ability of Sao Paulo to provide water to its citizens where water is already rationed, and continue to restrict the ability of Brazil to produce hydropower requiring significant expenditures for backup generation from natural gas and oil.

Current Water Anomalies: Venezuela

The map is based on 3 months of observed data (Dec14-Feb15) and nine months of forecast data (Mar15-Nov15).  It shows that Venezuela is expected to experience widespread drought, with large portions of the country experiencing exceptional drought conditions (return periods greater than 40 years).  These areas include the heavily populated northern coast of Venezuela and the watershed for the Guri Dam (starred on the map) that provides 65% of Venezuela’s electricity supply.  The water levels at the Guri Dam are currently at their lowest levels since 2010 and have been declining rapidly since early December 2014.  Venezuela’s economy is already severely stressed due to low oil prices and mismanagement.  Additional burdens due to drought and electricity shortages would add to those stresses.