Mexico to face severe drought in 2017, warns water authority

A lack of rain is expected to be seen in Mexico next year, which will lead to severe drought in the country, putting the agriculture sector under great pressure, according to Víctor Bourguett, technical consulting manager at federal water authority Conagua.

During a lecture on climate change and water resources at the sixth national research congress on climate change, held in Mexico City, Bourguett stated that due to Mexico's geographical location and rising temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, precipitation is expected to be scarce next year, according to a report by state-owned news agency Notimex.

Bourguett said that this year, 98% of expected precipitation for the period has fallen, which is affecting the country's agricultural sector.

The Conagua official said it is necessary to push for a stronger relationship between the government and academia in order to formulate better policies and strategies that can help the country deal with climate change challenges foreseen for the future.

According to Bourguett, the main challenges for the country's authorities are related to ensuring water supply for human consumption and agricultural use, implementing early warning systems for weather events, and developing a comprehensive plan to deal with the risks stemming from severe weather phenomena.

In August this year, Conagua reported that 699 municipalities in 26 of Mexico's 32 states were suffering the effects of drought.