Drought
over large parts of Europe raises concern
Low
rainfall, dry soils, and shrinking rivers are pressuring ecosystems, farming,
and transport routes across Europe and neighbouring regions.
Latest data
show dwindling river flows and worsening drought: these conditions are
triggered by warmer-than-average weather and lower precipitation across much of
the continent since the beginning of the year, according to the Drought in
Europe – April 2025 report, published by the JRC.
With
forecasts up to June showing drier-than-average conditions in northern and
western Europe, there are growing concerns about the impact on agriculture
river transport, and ecosystems, the report says.
Driven by a
lack of rainfall and above-average temperatures, central, eastern, and
south-eastern Europe, as well as the eastern Mediterranean region, are
experiencing broadening warning drought conditions. Similar conditions are
emerging in north-western Europe.
This
analysis by JRC scientists also points out that large parts of the
Mediterranean and the Middle East remain under warning and alert drought
conditions.
In contrast,
most of Portugal, Spain, western and central France experienced a rainy winter,
with northern Italy having a wetter start of the spring. In some areas, heavy
rainfall events caused fatalities, affected vegetation and damaged
infrastructures. Copernicus emergency maps were sent to first responders and
regional authorities to help them manage the crises.
Heat and low
rainfall deplete soil and water reserves
Between
January and March 2025, most of Europe experienced warmer-than-average
conditions. In the Alps, eastern Europe, and northern Scandinavia mean
temperatures were more than 3°C above normal.
Scarce
rainfall and intense heat dried out the land, leaving soils in the eastern
Mediterranean and northern Africa significantly depleted of moisture.
Drought in
Europe is affecting key rivers
Drought
effects became more evident across European rivers by early April. Large areas
in northern Europe and parts of the western Alps are currently the most
affected regions. Eastern Mediterranean countries and western Russia are also
showing signs of hydrological stress.
It is worth
to highlight how in just a few weeks the conditions along the Rhine River
changed significantly, with water levels dropping sharply in early April,
especially in the upper basin. Following a dry winter and spring, reduced
discharge is already impacting river navigation in the Middle Rhine.
Dry
anomalies and warning signs for the months ahead
Northern
Germany, the Benelux countries, Denmark, southern Scandinavia, and much of the
UK and Ireland recorded very dry conditions in March. Similar patterns were
seen in southern Ukraine and central-to-eastern Türkiye. Compounded with dry
conditions in the previous months, these trends raise concerns on how the
situation may evolve later in spring and summer.
While
vegetation across most of Europe appeared healthy by the end of March, stress
signs are already visible in parts of northern Africa, western Syria, and
south-eastern Türkiye. Early plant development may be masking vulnerabilities
that could surface if drought conditions persist into the growing season.
Outlook
suggests ongoing risks in several regions
Forecasts
from April to June 2025 point to drier-than-average conditions in northern and
western Europe, including the UK and Ireland. Wetter than average conditions
are expected over the Iberian Peninsula, central Italy, the eastern Alps, and
Greece. There is however some uncertainty in the forecast due to the
variability of different modelling systems used.
Rivers are
likely to remain unusually low across eastern Europe through May, and water
levels could drop even further. Across many areas low river flow is already
affecting farming, ecosystems, energy production and transport.
Background
The Drought
in Europe – April 2025 is based on the latest analysis from the European
Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and uses data from the European and
Global Drought Observatories, components of the Copernicus Emergency Management
Service. The information is complemented with data from other climate and
drought monitoring tools.
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