Western Europe Faces Historic Drought
Summary
Western Europe is facing a historic drought, with extreme heat and low rainfall drying up soil, rivers, lakes and reservoirs across countries including Germany, France, the UK and Spain. Scientists warn the crisis is worsening biodiversity, transport and energy supplies, and may continue until autumn if rain does not return.
Key Points
- Western Europe is experiencing a historic drought, with soil moisture in some areas lower than during the severe 2022 drought.
- River levels have fallen sharply across Europe, including the Danube, Vistula and Rhine, forcing shipping limits and some service suspensions.
- The drought is threatening biodiversity, water transport and even energy supply, with some nuclear reactors shut down because of low water flow.
- Scientists say the crisis could worsen in the coming weeks unless there is continuous rainfall.
