The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) has released a forecast indicating that the most affected areas of Uruguay will continue to experience a lack of significant rainfall.
The country is currently enduring its worst drought in history.
According to Inumet’s report, although some scattered showers and drizzles are expected, there will be no significant accumulation of rainfall for the remainder of June and the beginning of July.
In the Rio de la Plata basin, the western region is expected to receive less than 5 millimeters of rainfall, while the eastern region may see between 5 and 10 millimeters.
Similarly, the Santa Lucía river basin is forecasted to receive less than 5 millimeters of rainfall.
The meteorological office does not anticipate any significant precipitation events until at least July 4, exacerbating the water deficit in these areas.
Néstor Santayana, the director of Meteorology and Climate for the Society of Inumet, highlighted the increasing water deficit in affected regions through social media.
To address the historic lack of rainfall and fresh water reserves, President Luis Lacalle Pou declared a “water emergency” for Montevideo and the metropolitan area.
Additionally, taxes on bottled water have been waived.
In May, Inumet reported that Uruguay’s ongoing drought is unprecedented and the worst since the country began keeping records in the early 20th century.