Global Precipitation & Temperature Outlook for December 2015

Continuing a pattern established in previous months, warm temperature anomalies are forecast for December in many parts of the world, particularly Ontario, Quebec, the Great Lakes, Central America, Caribbean, Brazil's Amazon, India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. Dry anomalies are expected in northern Brazil. Exceptionally wet anomalies are expected in South Sudan and surrounding regions.

Australia: Water deficits to persist in Melbourne, Tasmania, Perth; North may transition to surplus

The forecast through July 2016 indicates a predominance of water surpluses in the north and along central rivers. However, exceptional drought may persist in southern Victoria, southern South Australia, Tasmania, and from Perth southward. Moderate drought may persist in North Island, New Zealand.

China, Mongolia, & the Korean Peninsula: Water surpluses in Southeast China, deficits in Northern China

Widespread water deficits may persist in North China including the North China Plain and Mongolia, with some areas experiencing both deficits and surpluses. Widespread surpluses are forecast for Southeast China, which may be of exceptional severity in Fujian, along the Pearl River (Zhujiang), and at the conjoined borders of Guizhou, Hunan, and Guangxi. Surpluses may also persist in North Korea.

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

Many parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific may continue to experience moderate to exceptional water deficits in the coming months. Deficits may be most persistent and severe in Southeast Asia, eastern Borneo, the Philippines, and the island of New Guinea.

South Asia: Water surpluses to persist in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, deficits in India

While water surpluses may persist in northeastern Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, the remainder of South Asia is expected to experience water deficits. Of particular interest are the widespread and exceptional water deficits forecast for much of India November 2015 through January 2016.