Satellite imagery confirms it: Syria may be facing its worst drought in decades. Rainfall in Q1 2025 totaled just 94.7 mm, down from a long-term average of 165.4 mm, and the lowest since 1997.

Vegetation Health Index readings are 40–50% below average. Rainfed agriculture, on which most farmers depend, has collapsed, especially in Aleppo and Idlib.

Wheat and barley production had already declined by 16.1% and 10.3% in 2024. With this year’s conditions even worse, 2025 yields are expected to fall further, forcing Syria to import 2.5 million tonnes of cereals despite depleted reserves and reduced aid.

Drinking water rationing is expanding. Health risks are rising, including cholera, as current indicators are worse than during the 2020–2021 drought.

Despite the severity, no meaningful policies have been enacted—only rain prayers in January.