Highlights
• The dominant feature of the 2014 season across East Asia so far has been widespread rainfall deficits that led to delayed starts of the growing season across vast areas of the continent.
• Conditions were worst around mid July, followed by a general improvement, which still left moderate rainfall deficits as the predominant pattern. SE Pakistan has been the worst affected area, in particular for livelihoods dependent on rainfed agriculture and pastoral resources.
• In early September, extreme rainfall events, the heaviest in at least 30 years, led to flooding and loss of life in Kashmir. In contrast, heavy rainfall relieved dry conditions in Gujarat, India.
• Seasonal forecasts indicate a continuation of broadly drier than average conditions across the continent. Weakening El Nino conditions may change these perspectives.