UN warns dry, warm winter could threaten Afghanistan’s food and water security
The U.N. food agency warned Afghanistan faces a dry and unusually warm winter through February, with below-average rainfall threatening agriculture, water availability and food security nationwide.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that Afghanistan is entering a dry and unusually warm winter expected to last until February, raising concerns about water and food security.
In an assessment released on Tuesday, FAO reviewed precipitation conditions from November and December 2025 through January and February 2026, forecasting below-average rainfall across much of the country.
The agency said the 2025–2026 wet season has begun drier and warmer than normal, with widespread soil-moisture deficits already observed nationwide for a second consecutive year.
FAO’s multi-model forecasts indicate that reduced precipitation is likely to persist in most regions, particularly in northern, northeastern and central highland areas, while only a few stronger weather systems in January may bring temporary snowfall and rain.
FAO cautioned that these isolated systems are unlikely to offset the cumulative deficit, leaving seasonal precipitation below normal and snow water equivalents in major mountain basins well under long-term averages, threatening spring meltwater supplies.
The warning comes after Afghanistan experienced low rainfall and drought conditions last year, with aid agencies stressing that continued climate shocks could further strain agriculture, livelihoods and humanitarian needs in an already vulnerable country.
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