The latest Global Drought Observatory Report from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service highlights that much of southern Africa, especially the Zambezi Basin, is experiencing severe drought conditions. Many rivers in the region are showing significantly reduced discharge levels.
A comparison of Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite images from 22 February 2024 and 12 January 2025 reveals a noticeable decline in vegetation across central and southern Malawi. The more recent image shows drier conditions and reduced greenery, particularly around Lake Malawi and the central plateau near Lilongwe.
