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 that water conditions will normalize in much of Mexico though intense surpluses will persist in northeastern Sonora and moderate deficits will emerge in Baja. Surpluses are forecast in Central America.
The forecast through August indicates that widespread water surpluses in the region will shrink on the Arabian Peninsula as transitions occur but persist in Iran, northern Iraq, and from northern Syria into Turkey. Areas of deficit include central Iran; Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia; and Oman.
The forecast through August indicates that water surpluses from northern European Russia through the Western Siberian Plain will shrink. Deficits are forecast for the Taz, Lower Yenisei, and Tunguska River regions in Russia and in western Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
The forecast through August indicates that water deficits will increase and intensify across northern Africa; nearly normal conditions are forecast in the Sahel. Surpluses in East Africa will remain widespread, particularly in Tanzania. Intense deficits will emerge in south-central Botswana.
The forecast through August indicates water surpluses near Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary; and deficits near Montreal, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. Deficits will retreat from southern Saskatchewan. Intense deficits will persist in northern Quebec. Surpluses will increase in southeastern British Columbia.