Mexico Nearly Drought-Free After Years of Dry Conditions

Mexico is on track to shake off years of punishing drought after two straight seasons of above-average rainfall brought water levels back to normal across most of the country.

Just before the 2025 rainy season began, nearly half of Mexico was experiencing some level of drought affecting 596 municipalities. Fast forward to June 2026, and only 2.4% of the country still faces water shortages.

The turnaround has been remarkable. Northern Chihuahua, which suffered extreme drought in 2024, has seen several municipalities move from drought conditions to normal or only slightly dry categories. The El Niño weather phenomenon deserves much of the credit for bringing heavier-than-usual rains during the May-to-October wet season.

Mexico City experienced its wettest year in 42 years during 2025, and early data suggests 2026 may deliver similar rainfall. The recovery comes after several difficult years when water shortages threatened domestic supplies, agriculture, and energy production across the nation.

Dante Sinohé Hernández Padrón, a researcher with Mexico's National Water Commission, announced the 94% recovery rate during the 40th Climate Perspectives Forum in May. He noted that while some regions could still experience isolated drought conditions, the country as a whole is no longer facing widespread water stress.

The Ripple Effect

The drought recovery affects millions of lives beyond just the numbers. Farmers who struggled through years of crop failures now have reliable water for irrigation. Cities that implemented water rationing can restore normal service to residents.

The agricultural sector, which employs millions of Mexicans, stands to benefit enormously from consistent rainfall. Reservoirs that dropped to critically low levels during the drought years are refilling, securing water supplies for both urban centers and rural communities.

Energy production also gets a boost, as many of Mexico's power plants depend on adequate water supplies for cooling and hydroelectric generation. Better water availability means more stable electricity for homes and businesses.

Researchers caution that vigilance remains important. If temperatures spike in 2027 to levels similar to 2023, another severe drought could develop. Scientists are closely monitoring ocean temperature patterns that influence El Niño to predict what 2027 might bring.

For now, though, Mexico can celebrate a dramatic turnaround from the water crisis that gripped the nation just two years ago.