France experiences a drought in the middle of winter. No significant rain has fallen for 31 days. Several villages in the Ardèche and Massif Central regions are already being supplied with water by tanker.
In the Pyrenees, some reservoirs such as Montbel in the Ariège are only 20 to 30 percent full and the environment is reminiscent of a lunar landscape. In Picardy north of Paris, farmers are worried about their harvest. Chicory salad and potatoes are particularly at risk from the drought. “McDonald’s wants a specific type of potato to make long, light-colored fries, but that specific type needs a lot of water and fertilizer,” Victor Cuisiniez, who advises farmers, told broadcaster France Bleu. “Some growers are hesitant to change their varieties.”
France has had no rain for 31 days. This has never happened in winter since measurements began in 1959, employees of the weather service Meteo France said on Tuesday. The condition corresponds to how you would normally find it in mid-April. The south of the country is particularly affected.
Less snow than usual
According to Meteo France, France has been increasingly affected by drought since the summer of 2021. It has also been warmer than average for twelve months. The snow cover in the mountains is less than normal in winter. When the snow on the mountains melts in the spring, it provides additional water supply to the rivers near the mountains. The weather service explained that the period from September to March is crucial for replenishing water resources. Environmentalists also criticize that the use of snow cannons consumes a lot of water.
Rain is expected again during the week. However, according to the weather service, one of the driest February months since 1959 is just around the corner.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
