Uruguay is facing a complex drought situation which started in 2018 and has worsened every year. The current drought is affecting more than 75,000 people, mainly in five departments. The main problem is the lack of access to safe water, which is affecting the consumption and use of water, as well as the maintenance of crops and livestock of approximately 1,300 families. The government has declared a state of agricultural emergency, which was extended until the end of April 2023 and broadened to include different sectors.

The entire country is affected by droughts, with 20.51% of the territory under extreme drought. Rainfall has been below normal and temperatures are forecasted to be above normal, leading to increased risk of fires. The National Fire Department has already carried out over 1,100 interventions this summer and reported 59 fires in one day, with 18 being serious.