Iran: Water Deficits May Persist with Varying Intensity and Extent

The forecast for Iran has not changed significantly from our prior post. Widespread water deficits are forecast for much of the country through March 2016, though deficits will vary in severity. The first map (below) reveals the dominance of severe and exceptional deficits expected during the 12-month period from April 2015 through March 2016.

WSIM Composite Water Anomaly Index for April 2015 through March 2016
(12-Month)

The 3-month composites (below) for the same 12-month period show the evolving conditions in more detail. (It should be noted that forecast skill declines with longer lead times.) Provinces along the Persian Gulf may continue to experience water deficits through September. Beginning in October the most intense deficits shift towards the central and eastern portions of Iran.

WSIM Composite Water Anomaly Index for April 2015 through March 2016
(3-Month)