According to an expert report, half of the territory of the European Union is threatened by drought. In detail, 47 percent of the EU area is at risk of drought in August, the European Drought Observatory announced on Monday. Due to a lack of rainfall, 17 percent of the area is already in a state of readiness, affecting vegetation and crop yields.
As early as July, 46 percent of the EU area was at risk of drought. “The severe drought that has hit many regions of Europe since the beginning of the year has continued to spread and worsen since the beginning of August,” the experts explained on behalf of the European Commission.
Precipitation brought light relaxation
Recent rainfall in mid-August “may have mitigated drought in some regions of Europe,” the report said. “However, the associated thunderstorms caused damage and casualties in some areas and may have limited the beneficial effects of rain.”
According to the scientists, among the regions most affected by the lack of rain are parts of Portugal, all of Spain, southern France, central Italy, southern Germany and a large area that includes Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
No real recovery in sight
After the long, exceptional drought, the observatory now expects “near normal conditions” in large parts from August to October. That may not be enough for a full recovery in recent months, but it will ease critical conditions in many places.
However, according to the scientists, the western Mediterranean regions could experience “above average warm and dry conditions” until November. A risk of drought is therefore still expected for parts of Spain and Portugal.
“Significant” crop losses
The exceptionally warm and dry weather is also expected to lead to crop losses. The experts explain that the “yield prospects for summer crops” such as maize have decreased “significantly”. The European Drought Observatory is part of the Joint Research Center of the European Commission.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
