The forecast anticipates mostly normal conditions throughout much of the Middle East, but Iran, as well as countries in the region’s southern areas, are expected to experience pockets of exceptional deficits. Some notable surplus is anticipated in isolated regions of Turkey. 

The forecast for the Middle East anticipates widespread transitional conditions throughout most of the central regions, with intense surplus appearing in northern areas, as well as isolated deficits of varying intensity. 

The forecast indicates that much of the Middle East will experience extreme to exceptional transitional conditions, as well as pockets of exceptional deficits in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman. Surpluses of similar intensity are expected to emerge in areas within Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

The forecast indicates widespread transitional conditions throughout much of the central Middle East, with anomalies of varying intensity appearing in pockets throughout the rest of the region. 

The forecast through May 2023 indicates intense transitional conditions in Saudi Arabia to mostly subside. Mild transitional areas in its south-central region will continue, spreading into Yemen. Intense surpluses are expected to persist in central Syria and southwestern Iran, as are exceptional deficits in western Turkey.