Severe Drought in Sinaloa: Progress and Future Outlook

translated from :

https://www.sectorprimario.mx/2023/07/10/monitor-de-sequia-indica-que-el-93-de-sinaloa-cuenta-con-sequia-severa/

Severe Drought in Sinaloa: Progress and Future Outlook

Sinaloa, a state in Mexico, is currently grappling with severe drought conditions that have had a significant impact on various sectors, particularly agriculture and irrigation. However, there is some hope as recent rainfall in the highlands has provided relief, leading to a gradual recovery of the region's dams. This essay examines the current state of drought in Sinaloa, the progress made in water conditions, and the outlook for the future.

According to the Drought Monitor of the National Water Commission (Conagua), a staggering 93% of Sinaloa is currently classified under severe drought conditions. This has caused significant adverse effects, particularly in agriculture and irrigation.

The most recent report indicates that the combined conservation level of the dams, including the prominent Picachos Dam, has reached 22.5%. While this represents an improvement compared to the previous year, there is still a considerable water deficit of approximately 750 million cubic meters compared to historical storage data from the past 27 years.

The recent rainfall in the upper part of the basin has contributed to the increased flow of the dams. Notably, the Huites, Bacurato, Varejonal, and Comedero dams have experienced significant water uptake, which has contributed to the overall recovery.

Critical dams in the region, such as Sanalona, Varejonal, and Comedero, currently stand at 25.2%, 12.1%, and 16.9% of their capacity, respectively. These dams play a crucial role in irrigating the agricultural valleys of Culiacán and the Évora region.

The successful completion of water extraction for agricultural purposes for the 2022-2023 agricultural cycle has benefited approximately 795 thousand hectares of crops in the region, reaching nearly 95% of the programmed and authorized volume.

The rainfall forecast suggests that July is expected to exceed the historical average of 174 mm of accumulated rainfall, providing further relief. However, August may experience a 15% deficit, which is traditionally the rainiest month in Sinaloa. Fortunately, values are anticipated to recover in September, as these three months typically receive the highest rainfall in the region.

Currently, the municipalities of Angostura, Choix, Escuinapa, and Salvador Alvarado are facing moderate drought conditions, while the rest of Sinaloa's municipalities are dealing with severe drought. However, as the rainy season progresses, an improvement in these conditions is expected.

In conclusion, Sinaloa continues to face severe drought conditions, with 93% of its territory affected. The recent rainfall has led to a gradual recovery of the region's dams, but there is still a significant water deficit compared to historical levels. The upcoming months hold the promise of further improvement, with July expected to surpass the average rainfall and September likely to bring recovery. Continued monitoring, efficient water management, and sufficient precipitation are essential to mitigate the impact of drought on Sinaloa's communities and sectors dependent on water resources.