Venezuela is expected to continue to experience widespread deficits, with large portions of the country experiencing exceptional deficit conditions (return periods greater than 40 years) affecting both the heavily populated coastal areas and in the watershed for the Guri dam (highlighted on the map with a star).

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.