Drought Reaches All 11 Municipalities in Quintana Roo

Dry, cracked earth and sparse vegetation illustrating drought conditions across Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Two-thirds of Quintana Roo’s territory is currently under moderate drought, while the rest of the state remains classified as abnormally dry, according to the Mexico Drought Monitor compiled by the National Meteorological Service (SMN) for the National Water Commission (Conagua).

The report, based on data through Sept. 15, found that all 11 of the state’s municipalities show some level of impact linked to a lack of moisture. As of that date, however, no areas had been placed in the severe, extreme or exceptional drought categories.

The D1 category, which represents moderate drought, covers 66 percent of the state’s surface area. Conditions at this level can affect crops and grazing land and reduce water availability at certain points when dry weather persists.

The remaining 34 percent falls under D0, classified as abnormally dry. Although less intense, it still reflects lower humidity than the region typically records.

With that distribution, Quintana Roo holds the largest share of drought-affected territory on the Yucatan Peninsula. By comparison, Campeche reports drought conditions across 15.1 percent of its surface, while Yucatan stands at just 3.1 percent.

While no severe or higher-level drought has been recorded so far, officials continue to monitor rainfall and soil moisture. Upcoming updates to the drought monitor will show whether the D0 and D1 zones shrink, hold steady or move toward more intense levels.

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By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx