The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its 2023 State of Global Water Resources report on October 7, 2024, highlighting a decline in global soil moisture. The International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) contributed in-situ data analysis, while global hydrological models also provided insights.

ISMN analyzed data from 160 stations with over 15 years of records, assessing moisture levels at two depths: near-surface (up to 10 cm) and deeper (up to 0.5 m). In Europe, nearly half of the near-surface stations showed below-normal levels, while 81% of U.S. stations reported normal or above-normal conditions. Significant regional variations were noted, particularly in July across the U.S.

Global Hydrological Models indicated predominantly below-normal soil moisture worldwide in 2023. North America, South America, North Africa, and the Middle East experienced the most significant declines, especially from June to August, while Alaska, northeastern Canada, India, and northeastern Russia showed above-normal levels. However, limited in-situ data made it challenging to validate these findings.

ISMN, involved with the WMO report since 2021, continues to enhance data collection efforts and plans to expand analysis to more regions in future reports.

Click here for the full report.