Large regions of exceptional “snow drought” are reported in the northeast United States, southern Canada, the Italian Alps, and much of Eastern Europe and western Russia, along with large snow surpluses in the western US, Central Russia, and Mongolia. In the first quarter of 2016, much of the snow surplus in the western US is forecast to transition to deficit, and extensive snow deficits are forecast to emerge in western Canada.
Europe: Water deficits may transition to surpluses in Central Europe
Overall, water deficits may dominate much of Continental Europe, while surpluses may continue in Ireland, Scotland, and northern Sweden. Deficits are expected to diminish in extent and severity over the next few months, and then transition to moderate surpluses in Central Europe, particularly Germany.