Southeast Asia & the Pacific: Water deficits forecast to persist in Southeast Asia, eastern Borneo, New Guinea

Moderate to exceptional water deficits are forecast through August 2016 for many parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific in the coming months, as shown in the 12-month map (below). Deficits are expected to be most persistent, widespread, and severe in Southeast Asia, eastern Borneo, and the island of New Guinea.

As seen in the 3-month maps (below), water deficits are forecast to gradually diminish in extent and severity December through August. Indonesia and Malaysia are forecast to transition to moderate surpluses December through February. Thereafter, surpluses are forecast to persist on Java, but deficits are expected to return to the Malay Peninsula and northern Sumatra. It should be noted that forecast skill declines with longer lead times.)