ISciences Worldwide Water Watch List March 2016

Regions likely to encounter significant water deficits in the coming months include: the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, US; southern Mexico; northern Brazil; Mediterranean Europe; Finland and Estonia; coastal West Africa; western Turkey; Yemen; and Southeast Asia. Significant water surpluses are forecast for: the Southern Plains and southern Florida, US; northwestern Mexico; central Argentina; Ireland; Kenya; central Kazakhstan; Java; and southeast China. This watch list is based on ISciences' Water Security Indicator Model (WSIM) Global Water Monitor and Forecast issued 9 March 2016.

Global Precipitation & Temperature Outlook for March 2016

The March 2016 Outlook indicates exceptionally warmer temperatures in many areas, particularly northern Brazil, Central Asia, India, and Indonesia. Northern Brazil is also forecast to be exceptionally dry. Exceptionally wetter conditions are forecast for the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Is the Past Decade of Persistent Drought In Brazil a New Normal?

A sixty-year record of extreme weather conditions shows a disturbing pattern of deficit surface water conditions throughout Amazonia.The Water Security Indicators Model (WSIM) developed by ISCIENCES LLC is used to examine average monthly hydrological conditions throughout the basin. An apparent correlation with the emergence of temperature extremes over the same period begs the question whether man-made climate change is the root cause.The literature however points to man-made deforestation as the critical factor, raising concern that "the Amazon is losing the ability to control it's own climate." If true, consequences will have profound impact on the region and the global environment.

Central Asia & Russia: Water surpluses forecast in Kazakhstan and central Russia, deficits in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan

Exceptional water surpluses are forecast along rivers in Kazakhstan and in central Russia from the Volga River through the Ural Mountains to the western edge of the Central Siberian Plateau. Water deficits are expected in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan and are forecast to persist through October.

Australia: Water surpluses forecast in Northern Territory, deficits persist in Victoria and Tasmania

Water surpluses are forecast for Northern Territory, and persistent deficits in Victoria and Tasmania. Deficits are forecast through April in the Murray-Darling Basin which transition to moderate surpluses thereafter.