Europe: Severe to exceptional water deficits forecast in Mediterranean Europe, Finland, & the Baltics; surpluses in Ireland, Wales, Scotland

Severe to exceptional water deficits are forecast to emerge throughout Mediterranean Europe, with greatest extent and severity in eastern Spain, Sardinia, Sicily, Campania (Italy), southern Greece, and Crete. Deficits are also forecast in Finland and the Baltics. Surpluses are forecast for Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.

South America: Exceptional water deficits are forecast to persist across northern South America, surpluses in southern Brazil & central Argentina

Exceptional water deficits are forecast to persist across northern South America. Deficits in Colombia and Venezuela may moderate somewhat March through May, and northwestern Venezuela may transition from deficits to exceptional surpluses. Thereafter, deficits are forecast to re-emerge as exceptional drought June through November across much of northern South America. Severe to exceptional surpluses are forecast in Paraguay, across its eastern border into southern Brazil, and in central Argentina.

Mexico, Central America, & the Caribbean: Water deficits to persist in southern Mexico, emerge later in Central America

Water deficits are forecast to persist on the Baja Peninsula and will continue to emerge in southern Mexico with exceptional severity. Surpluses are forecast along the Rio Grande River and in a wide path from Sonora southward following the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain range. Surpluses in central Cuba are forecast to persist through the spring months. Overall for the year moderate deficits are expected in Guatemala and Honduras, though more severe deficits are forecast throughout Central America in the latter months of the forecast period.

Canada: Widespread water deficits forecast with pockets of exceptional deficits in BC, AB, MB, ON, QB, and NL

Water deficits are forecast across Canada from March through May, with large pockets of exceptional deficits in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland. Surpluses are expected in southern British Columbia and northern Saskatchewan. 

United States: Water deficits to emerge this Spring in Ohio, lower Mississippi Valleys, then upper Mississippi & Northwest

Overall, widespread moderate to exceptional water deficits are forecast for Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and much of the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. Surpluses are forecast for the Southern Plains and southern Florida. In April and May deficits are forecast for much of the country east of the Mississippi, and will emerge thereafter across the North, in the Central Plains, Northern Great Plains, and in the West, tracing paths along many major rivers. Though decreasing in severity, widespread deficits will persist through November.