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Study: Day-Zero Droughts Loom for Major Global Regions

9/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new study warns day-zero droughts could strike parts of North America, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa this decade.
It finds 74% of drought-prone regions may face severe droughts by the century's end, with 35% at risk by 2030, including low-income communities.
Droughts stem from rainfall shortages, lower river flow, and rising demand, threatening Chennai, Tehran, and Los Angeles.

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Story summary

A new study warns day-zero droughts could strike parts of North America, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa this decade.
It finds 74% of drought-prone regions may face severe droughts by the century's end, with 35% at risk by 2030, including low-income communities.
Droughts stem from rainfall shortages, lower river flow, and rising demand, threatening Chennai, Tehran, and Los Angeles.