Drought in Turkey

Executive Summary

Drought is primarily caused when a geographic region receives little rain for an abnormally long time. A meteorological drought occurs when a drought is combined with increased temperatures and lower humidity. A drought can turn into an agricultural drought when irrigation water and soil moisture are insufficient for agriculture. A hydrological drought develops when there is a reduction in river flow and underground water. Turkey is currently experiencing a severe meteorological drought in 2013-2014. The drought we have recently been experiencing is progressing from a meteorological drought to an agricultural and hydrological drought due to a significant reduction in the winter precipitation. The increased frequency and severity of meteorological droughts in Turkey are caused by changes in global climate patterns. We can expect global climate changes will bring about drought as a normal part of daily life. As a result, Turkey needs to make plans for its drinking water requirements, meet its demand for hydroelectric energy from sustainable alternatives, and implement agricultural irrigation methods that can withstand droughts.