Already strained by a sharp fall in precipitation during the closing water year (began September 23, 2017), the southern coastline is not expected to receive a normal amount of rainfall during the coming autumn.
Going through a rather unexpectedly irregular climate pattern, the arid and semi-arid catchment area, known as "the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman" in the south of the country will continue struggling with poor rainfall, although the meteorologists estimate normal conditions in other areas.
Based on the data regularly released by the Water Resources Management Company, the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman catchment area has received less than two thirds of the rainfall it did during the last water year.
According to the stats, since September 23, 2017, up to August 31, the catchment area has been fed with 211.7 millimeters of rainfall, 42% less than the previous corresponding period with 366 millimeters. Figures further show that the precipitation in the area has dropped by 41.9% compared to the last five decades' average rainfall.
However, not all these have been beyond expectations, for the country is located in a semi-arid region, grappling with water shortage for years. Despite the satisfying downpour feeding the parched lands during the past spring, the released figures still indicate a worrying 31.2% fall in precipitation compared to the same period last year, which saw 231.5 mm of rain. The numbers include average rainfall of Iran's all six watersheds: The Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, Urmia Lake, Central Plateau, Eastern Border and Qarequm in the northeast.
Data Breakdown
The central plateau was fed with 103.6 mm of rainfall during the mentioned period, which is the second smallest amount among all the catchment areas after the Persian Gulf.
The figure shows a 35.6% decrease in precipitation compared to the same period of the last water year with 160.9 mm.
Eastern Border also registered a similar 35.3% decline in rainfall, dropping from 62.4 mm to 40.4 mm.
Rainfall in Qarequm fell from 180.3 mm to 142.1 mm, marking a 21.2% decrease during the current water year.
The Caspian Sea and the Urmia Lake watersheds registered a more promising record. Rising from 337.1 mm to 390.4 mm, the former catchment area saw a 15.8% increase in precipitation.
During the studied period, the Urmia Lake has been the most water-fed catchment area, with a 47.2% increase in rainfall.
Unlike most of other areas, the number shows a noticeable increase (reaching to 407.8 mm) compared to the last year's 277.1 mm.
Promising Autumn
Experts are however optimistic about the precipitation rate in the upcoming fall and expect an above normal amount of rainfall, unlike the figures for the same period last year.
According to the latest data provided by Iran Meteorological Organization, a large number of provinces are forecast to receive a significant amount of rainfall.
Analyses of the meteorological maps illustrate that the western provinces including Kurdestan, Kermanshah, Zanjan, Hamedan, Lorestan, West Azarbaijan and Ilam will soon receive an abundant amount of rainfall.
These are while, unfortunately, the already beleaguered regions in the south will likely experience an amount of rainfall not more than the previous autumn, the data indicate.
Regarding the average temperature during the next season, the data shows that except for the eastern areas, which will experience an increase of 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius from a year before, other regions will mostly see normal temperatures.
Need for Tactful Approach
The predicted abundance in precipitation during the next season will by no means provide a rational reason for the officials and the public to let go of making a meaning change in ineffective water management policies and habits. Although the authorities have long been dealing with the growing water problem throughout the country, the expansion of industries and a population boom have outpaced the implementation of water management measures.
This has led to desiccation of wetlands and rivers.
Experts have repeatedly warned that there is no chance of a climatic improvement and the only solution to the aggravating challenge is to tactfully manage the available resources by drawing on both modern technologies and indigenous methods, in addition to optimizing water consumption.
The necessity of modifying water consumption patterns, which could positively affect the supply of water in a sprawling country faced with a persistent drought, is seriously felt.
Over thousands of years, Iranians have learned to adapt themselves to water shortage and used innovative techniques to manage resources. The ancient structures such as qanats and rainwater collection ponds point to the fact that the issue has existed in the country for ages.
