In this new series, we examine recent prolonged drought in the Yangtze River Basin, its impact on the affected regions, and the historical accuracy of the Water Security Indicator Model (WSIM) forecasts in East Asia.
Exceptional deficits will spread throughout the Russian Plain, northern coastal Russia, and regions near Lake Baikal. Surpluses are expected in some portions of northern Russia and north-central Kazakhstan.
Severe to exceptional deficits will occur throughout most of eastern Europe. Severe to exceptional surpluses in western Europe are expected to dissipate.
The forecast through August indicates moderate to severe water deficits in Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Puebla. Areas with a forecast of surplus include the Yucatan and pockets throughout Central America.
The forecast through July indicates generally moderate water deficits in Baja, north-central Mexico, and Puebla. Regions with a forecast of surplus include Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental range and Central America.
The forecast through September indicates that water deficits in northern Mexico will retreat and surpluses will emerge in Sonora and Durango. In the south, surpluses will retreat as generally mild deficits emerge. Deficits will also emerge in El Salvador.
The forecast through December indicates water deficits in much of Mexico outside of the Yucatán. Anomalies will be intense in southern Baja, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and eastern states. Surpluses are forecast in pockets of Central America and the Caribbean.
The forecast through June indicates that water surpluses will persist in northwestern Mexico and around Monterrey in Nuevo Leon. Deficits will persist in southeastern Chihuahua. Surpluses will shrink but persist in pockets of Central America.