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.
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.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent&...
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign ...
More than 20 hospitals and health centres in Gaza could lose a key source of fuel from 19 September, according to the Strip's Health Ministry....
Maritime trackers received new reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding to concerns about energy supplies after Saudi Arabia shut down a vital oil pipeline on Saturday.
A Kyiv-Warsaw train was struck near the Polish border, Ukraine's state railway firm said on Sunday. No passengers were injured. Ukrainian Railways said that the country's railways were facing systematic attacks for a second day and warned of widespread delays.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline after it was hit by a drone attack, with Riyadh and Baghdad saying the strike originated from Iraq.
Swedes vote in an election on Sunday (13 September) that could see the far-right enter government for the first time if the country's right-wing parties can form a majority.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
August 2026 tied as the hottest month ever recorded globally, pushing average temperatures above the critical 1.5°C threshold as extreme weather swept across several regions, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said.
Increasingly intense wildfires and heat waves are threatening global efforts to improve air quality and protect public health, the United Nations’ weather agency has warned.
Vast flocks of storks passed through Türkiye and the Bosporus this week as part of their annual autumn migration from European breeding grounds toward Africa and the Middle East.
China's coastal areas and southern regions are preparing for days of intense precipitation, with tens of thousands of people evacuated as Typhoon Narra tracks inland and another storm churns toward the country's eastern seaboard.
A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate to safety and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment