Though the extent of water deficits in South America is expected to shrink overall February through April, severe to exceptional deficits are forecast in eastern Brazil as well as pockets in some western states. Deficits in Bolivia are forecast to shrink in extent but large pockets will persist, and the extent of deficits in Chile will shrink slightly. Surpluses will continue to emerge in central and northeastern Argentina; Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; northern Peru; and eastern Colombia. From May through June deficits will persist in eastern Brazil but much of the Amazon Basin will transition to near-normal. Deficits along Peru’s coast will increase in intensity, becoming exceptional.
Canada: Water deficits persist on QC/ON border; increase nationwide after April
The water forecast indicates deficits in: central Quebec and its southern border with Ontario; Northumberland County, New Brunswick; southern Newfoundland; northeastern Manitoba along Hudson Bay; northwestern British Columbia and central BC near Prince George; northwestern and central Alberta; northeastern Saskatchewan into northern Manitoba; and northwestern Ontario. Surpluses are forecast around the southern shore of James Bay and west into Ontario; west of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba; surrounding Lake Churchill Saskatchewan; and scattered throughout southern British Columbia. After April predominantly deficit conditions are forecast.
United States: Exceptional water deficits in AR, surpluses in ID, NV
The extent of exceptional water deficits from the Ohio River Valley to the Gulf is expected to recede but exceptional deficits will persist in eastern Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, Missouri, and west-central Illinois. Widespread surpluses will continue to emerge in the West with particular intensity in Idaho and northern Nevada. Moderate surpluses are forecast for much of California, particularly Central California.
Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean: Water deficits ahead for Mexico, southern Guatemala
Water deficits are forecast to emerge throughout Mexico, with a vast expanse of severe deficits across northern Mexico including the Baja Peninsula and pockets of more intense deficits in the southern states and in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Deficits are also forecast for southern Guatemala, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and eastern Dominican Republic. Deficits in the region are expected to diminish in severity after April.
Europe: Water deficits in Western Europe, surpluses in western European Russia
Deficits will persist in much of Western Europe and Scandinavia, will spread in the Iberian Peninsula and in Italy, and will emerge in eastern Czech Republic, western Slovakia, and Hungary. Surpluses will continue to emerge in Belarus, Ukraine, northeastern Romania, and in a vast expanse of western European Russia. The UK and Ireland are expected to transition from deficit to near-normal conditions. After May the forecast indicates a retreat of surpluses and the continued emergence of deficits throughout Europe.