Yucatán Drought Crisis Worsens

MÉRIDA, Mexico — A severe drought now affects 15.6 percent of the Yucatán Peninsula's surface area, with seven municipalities in the region experiencing the most intense conditions, according to a report from the National Meteorological Service (SMN).

The agency, part of the National Water Commission (Conagua), stated that rainfall deficits observed in southern and southeastern Mexico during the second half of August 2025 led to a significant increase in areas classified as abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought. The report confirmed the emergence of areas with severe drought (D2) in the states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo.

Nationwide, the percentage of area suffering from moderate to exceptional drought (D1 to D4) was 13.7 percent as of August 31, 2025, a figure nearly identical to the 13.9 percent recorded just two weeks prior on August 15.

The Monitor de Sequía en México (MSM) provides a detailed breakdown for the peninsula. It indicates that 10.5 percent of the region is affected by moderate drought (D1), while severe drought (D2) impacts 5.1 percent. An additional 41.2 percent of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Currently, 43.2 percent of the peninsula's territory remains free of drought conditions.

A state-by-state analysis shows moderate drought affects 5.6 percent of Campeche. In Quintana Roo, moderate drought (D1) impacts 9.7 percent of the state, and severe drought (D2) is present in 8.5 percent. In Yucatán, moderate drought (D1) prevails over 13.4 percent of its surface area, with severe drought (D2) affecting 5.6 percent.

Within Yucatán, the municipalities of Abalá, Chocholá, Dzilam de Bravo, Dzilam González, Halachó, Kopomá, Maxcanú, Muna, Opichén, Panabá, Sacalum, San Felipe, Santa Elena, Temozón, and Ticul are experiencing moderate drought. The severe drought is concentrated in the municipalities of Chemax, Río Lagartos, and Tizimín.

The report noted that moderate drought conditions have disappeared from the Yucatán municipalities of Celestún and Kinchil, while reappearing in others after a brief absence.

In Campeche, moderate drought affects Calkiní, Carmen, Hecelchakán, Palizada, Tenabo, and Dzitbalché. In Quintana Roo, the municipalities of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are experiencing moderate drought. Severe drought in Quintana Roo is present in Isla Mujeres, Benito Juárez, and Lázaro Cárdenas.

Nationally, moderate drought (D1) affects 119 municipalities, including six in Campeche, three in Quintana Roo, and 15 in Yucatán. Severe drought (D2) is recorded in 119 municipalities across the country, with four located in Quintana Roo and three in Yucatán. Extreme drought (D3) is present in 16 municipalities in the north of the country, and exceptional drought (D4) affects 10 communities in the same northern region.

This drought episode first appeared in the second half of May and was officially confirmed by the SMN on June 5, meaning it has now persisted for approximately three and a half months.