Since late March, about 85% of Mexico has experienced some degree of drought. 72.75% are facing moderate to exceptional drought. With rising temperatures and less rainfall this year, this was a likely scenario.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) recently reported high temperatures above 110℉ in certain parts of Mexico. Some regions are even recording all-time high monthly temperatures. There has also been 31.4% less rain than usual this year. The weather event La Niña has had a significant impact on these current weather conditions.

La Niña is a climate pattern that is caused by disturbances to the oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns over the Pacific Ocean. It results in cold water in the eastern Pacific, which leads to fewer rain clouds forming in Mexico. Thus, warmer and drier conditions (to an extent) are foreseen.

Though La Niña occurs naturally, scientists speculate that its effects have been exacerbated by climate change. As we continue to burn fossil fuels, the greenhouse effect becomes more and more apparent, leading to rising global temperatures. Deforestation and the diversion of water also worsen droughts.

The consequences of the drought itself have been astounding. Many water sources have been remarkably drained. One of Mexico City’s main water sources, the Villa Victoria reservoir, has water levels at a third of its normal capacity. Other suppliers are below 25% capacity. Some lakes, including Mexico’s second-largest lake, Lake Cuitzeo, are at risk of disappearing. The loss of these bodies of water will subsequently result in the loss of much wildlife. In Lake Cuitzeo alone, only six out of the 19 original species of fish remain. 

These circumstances have left many residents without running water as the government has restricted water flow from these reservoirs. The drought may also have negative economic consequences. With a strain on water devoted to farming and irrigation, Mexico’s crop output is likely to suffer. As an exporter of agricultural goods and one of the top corn producers, this drought could lead to considerable losses.    

The most intense and widespread in decades, this drought has wreaked havoc. Thankfully, La Niña is expected to weaken by early summer. Its end will hopefully bring some much-needed rain to Mexico.