Europe May Face Drought Again This Year
According to Euro News, Europe recorded its third hottest January in history at the beginning of this year.
This hot January follows a record-hot 2022 for Italy, Spain, the UK, and France. Currently, low levels of rainfall and snowfall in these regions mean that many areas in Europe are at risk of drought and its impacts on agriculture, water supply, and energy production.
Drought in Italy and France
Venice is experiencing drought. (Photo: AP).
Weeks without rain or snow have raised concerns that Italy may face another year of drought following last summer’s dry weather. Rivers and lakes are severely depleted, especially in the northern part of the country. Scientists report that the Alps have received less than half of the normal snowfall for this time of year, with a 63% deficit in the Po River basin. Water levels in rivers are currently 3.3 meters below the usual drought threshold. Such a situation is rare even during the summer months.
In Venice, a city typically concerned with flooding, the unusually low tide has made it impossible for boats to navigate through the city’s canals.
Drought in France (Photo: AFP)
France has experienced a record number of dry days this winter.
France recorded a 31-day dry spell with no rainfall. Nationwide, rainfall has been less than a millimeter per day since January 21.
Winter is usually a critical time for replenishing water supplies. However, the number of dry days “unprecedented” for this time of year has not been seen since 1959, according to Meteo France.
At the beginning of February, the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southeastern France was placed on high drought alert, with 17 areas severely affected.
Officials reported on February 9 that “2022 was marked by high temperatures” and a 33% rainfall deficit. The current weather situation has led to restrictions on water use for residents.
Rivers Will Suffer Severe Damage
River levels in England are very low. (Photo: Guardian).
The Guardian reports that water levels across England are at record lows, and rivers are likely to be “devastated” as new data predicts widespread dry weather at least until May.
Social advocates state that the government and water companies have not acted sufficiently to conserve water supplies by building reservoirs and repairing leaks, as low rainfall over the past few months could lead to water shortages in some areas.
Monthly forecasts from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology warn that prolonged drought conditions are likely, and rivers will suffer damage.
Groundwater levels are also a crucial indicator of drought conditions. Reports predict that levels in many areas will be low: “Groundwater levels may be at or below normal across most of England and Wales in the next three months.”
Mark Lloyd, CEO of Rivers Trust, stated that drought could “devastate” rivers if it occurs for a second consecutive year. He said: “This data clarifies what many of us working in the environmental field have suspected all winter. Coupled with last year’s drought in many areas, water sources are still not recovering, and another hot, dry summer could occur.”
He expressed that recurring annual droughts will devastate rivers. He told the Guardian: “I predicted this to the Guardian six months ago. But the government and water companies are not listening.”
