Increased Rainfall Will Restore Hour al-Azim Wetland
Higher precipitation forecasts for late 2026 aim to stabilize drought-stricken wetlands across the region.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Environmental
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Following a water year marked by severe scarcity between September 2024 and September 2025, meteorological forecasts for fall and winter 2026 project increased rainfall that is expected to help refill the Hour al-Azim wetland. This environmental shift builds on recent recovery efforts observed in other inland water bodies.
Why it matters
Sustaining water levels in these wetlands is critical to preventing spontaneous combustion events, dust hotspots, and habitat loss for migratory birds. The ongoing restoration attempts highlight the region's reliance on consistent inflow and international cooperation to maintain ecological stability.
Average rainfall increased by 3.7 percent in the 2025-2026 water year compared to the prior period. Meanwhile, the Quri Gol wetland recorded a 27-centimeter water level increase, bringing it to a total volume of 700 million cubic meters.
The players
Hour al-Azim wetland
An ecologically vital wetland located in Khuzestan province on the border of Iran and Iraq that provides essential environmental moderation.
Miqan wetland
A wetland located in Markazi province that serves as a benchmark for restoration efforts following years of drought.
Bamdej wetland
A restoration site that has received 1.3 trillion rials in investment to date and requires 2 trillion rials in additional funding.
The details
Wetland restoration relies on managing inflow from river systems like the Karkheh and Tigris, which feed the Hour al-Azim. When these wetlands dry up, they lose their ability to moderate local temperatures, leading to spontaneous combustion of dried vegetation and the creation of dust hotspots. Restoring these areas requires consistent water volumes, such as the 100 million cubic meters that reached Miqan wetland in 2019, combined with active infrastructure projects like those currently under way at Bamdej.
Timeline
2019: Miqan wetland received over 100 million cubic meters of water.
September 23, 2024 – September 23, 2025: The Hour al-Azim wetland experienced a period of severe water scarcity.
September 23, 2025 – September 23, 2026: Increased precipitation began refilling portions of the wetland.
Fall and winter 2026: Iran is forecast to receive considerable rain due to an El Niño phase.
The Tech Race
This effort to restore Hour al-Azim sits within a broader regional race to stabilize water-stressed ecosystems against climate volatility. Ongoing projects at sites like Bamdej demonstrate a shift toward active intervention to recover ecological functions lost to drought.
The projected increase in rainfall during fall and winter 2026 is expected to reduce the incidence of air pollution and dust generated by dry wetland beds in Khuzestan province. Success for residents depends on the completion of funded restoration projects and the sustained flow of river water.
The takeaway
The restoration of wetlands like Hour al-Azim depends on the convergence of favorable climate patterns and consistent funding for infrastructure. Observers should track the allocation of the remaining 2 trillion rials required for the Bamdej restoration project as a proxy for regional commitment.
Further reading
For broader context on regional ecological management, see Environmental.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tehran Times.
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