NASA Reveals Huge Water Deposits in Quintana Roo and Yucatan as Mexico Dries Out

A map released by the U.S. space agency reveals a high concentration of water and humidity in the Yucatán Peninsula. Almost 85 percent of Mexico is currently suffering one of the worst droughts in recent decades, according to a NASA study, which also points to a unique reality: the presence of huge water reservoirs in Quintana Roo and Yucatán.

A National Drought, Mapped From Space

The NASA Earth Observatory published a study on water availability in Mexico that paints a bleak outlook due to widespread drought.

Mexico is experiencing one of the most widespread and intense droughts in decades. As of April 15, 2021, almost 85 percent of the country faces drought conditions. Large dams throughout Mexico are at exceptionally low levels, which depletes water resources for drinking, cultivating, and irrigating.

— NASA Earth Observatory.

Villa Victoria is at approximately one third of its normal capacity. A similar situation occurs in other parts of northern and central Mexico, whose dams are below 25 percent capacity, leaving many families without regular access to drinking water.

Quintana Roo and Yucatán: The Other Side of the Coin

NASA's map also shows a striking fact: the southeast of the country does not seem to be suffering the hardest blows from the drought, particularly Quintana Roo and Yucatán. The image makes clear that the Evaporative Stress Index — how much water evaporates from the land and plants — is much lower in the vegetation of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche, where humidity is best preserved.

These observations are used to estimate evapotranspiration, or how much water evaporates from the earth's surface and from plant leaves. Based on variations in land surface temperatures, the ESI indicates how the current rate of evapotranspiration — averaged over 12 weeks from early February to April 30 on this map — compares to normal conditions. Negative values are below normal rates and indicate plants that are stressed due to inadequate soil moisture.

— NASA Earth Observatory.

One of the Worst Droughts in History

The NASA study also notes that Mexico's National Meteorological Service confirms that the northwest and northeast moved from severe to extreme drought. From October 1, 2020 to April 18, 2021, the country received about 20 percent less rainfall than normal.

La Niña: A Possible Path Out

As La Niña wanes, meteorologists expect warming waters to bring much-needed rain. Recent rains have fallen in Mexico, but mostly in states with mild drought conditions. The Mexican meteorological service warns that the rains may not fully arrive until the wet season in June.

In Summary

While most of Mexico struggles with one of its worst droughts in decades, the Yucatán Peninsula stands apart thanks to its underground water reserves and high humidity. For long-term residents and investors, that hydrological resilience is one more reason the southeast is gaining strategic relevance.