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- Near-record low precipitation has been observed in the southwestern, northern, central highlands and northeastern parts of the country during the 2021-2022 wet season. Average to above-average cumulative precipitation for the same period was observed in parts of Helmand, Kandahar, and Kabul basins (Figure 1).
- Below-average precipitation, low soil moisture, and low snow water volumes have resulted in significant moisture stress in the northern wheat belt (Figure 2). As of May 22, 2022, below-average and near-record low snow water volumes persist in most basins of the country (Figure 3).
- The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) predicts below-average precipitation from May 23 to June 6 (Figure 4). Wheat harvest operations are in progress and will continue until the middle of next month. The forecasted dry weather conditions in the coming two weeks are beneficial for the wheat that is in the senescence-harvest stage; however, extremely hot temperatures may harm the hardened grains in localized areas.
- Low soil moisture and above-average temperatures (Figure 5) are most likely through at least the end of September due to the ongoing La Niña. Low soil moisture along with low water availability in many basins will most likely lead to below-average second crop cultivation in the coming months.
- Wheat production losses have increased both in terms of severity and extent in 2022, compared to 2021 (Figure 6). In 2022, wheat production loss outlook in Jawzjan and Nimroz highlights more than 40 percent below average, 30-40 percent below average in Badghis, Ghor, Faryab, Sari Pul, Balkh, and Samangan in the north, and 20-30 percent below average in Herat and Farah in the west, Kunduz in the north, Dayakundi, Zabul, and Ghazni in the south, and Badakhshan in the east.
Current conditions:
Meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts are ongoing for the second successive year. As of May 20, large negative NDVI anomalies are observed within the northern wheat cultivating belt, from Badghis in the west to Takhar in the northeast.
Precipitation anomalies:
Northern and northeastern parts of the country bordering Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, and southern parts bordering Pakistan, have received 55 to 70 percent of average cumulative precipitation from October 1, 2021, to May 20, 2022. The Central highlands received 85-95 percent of average cumulative precipitation during the same period. Above-average precipitation (105 to 115 percent of average) was observed in parts of Helmand, Kandahar, and Kabul basins (Figure 1).
Snowpack and snow water volume:
Above-average temperatures have resulted in the rapid depletion of snow water volumes in most of the basins (Figure 3). As of May 22, record minimum snow water volumes are observed in Panj, Kokcha-Ab-I-Rustaq, Khanabad, Kunduz, and Kabul basins. Snow water volumes in the remaining basins reached zero in April, at least 2-3 weeks earlier than average. Low snow water volumes and low reservoir levels will reduce water availability, which may severely restrict second crop cultivation.
Precipitation:
Based on ECMWF forecasts, above-average precipitation is forecast in the easternmost parts of Badakhshan while below-average precipitation is most likely in the rest of the country from May 23 through June 6 (Figure 4). Precipitation during the remainder of the season is expected to be below average, given the forecast persistence of La Niña.
Temperatures:
The North American Multi-Model Ensemble temperature forecast for Jul – Sep 2022 indicates a high probability of above-average temperatures across the country during the forecast period (Figure 5).
There is high probability that cultivation of second season crops will be below-average in view of low water availability and increased evaporative demands due to above-average temperatures during July – September.
Wheat production losses:
Generally, drought-induced losses in crop production consist of two components: firstly, due to reduction in total sown area caused by lack of sufficient precipitation during sowing period, and secondly, due to below-normal crop yields on account of poor health caused by moisture stress during its critical flowering and grain hardening stages.
Figure 1
Source: USGS/UCSB
Figure 2
Source: USGS/EROS
Figure 3
Source: USGS/NASA
Figure 4
Source: ECMWF
Figure 5
Source: NOAA CPC
Figure 6
Source:
FEWS NET’s Seasonal Monitor reports are produced for Central America and the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, Central Asia, and Somalia every 10-to-30 days during the region’s respective rainy season(s). Seasonal Monitors report updates on weather events (e.g., rainfall patterns) and associated impacts on ground conditions (e.g., cropping conditions, pasture and water availability), as well as the short-term rainfall forecast. Find more remote sensing information here.