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2d ago

Over Half of Europe Endures Worst Drought on Record as ECB Warns of Economic Fallout

Researchers say the scale of the drought underscores climate change’s intensifying effect on European weather

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The Woodhead reservoir in northern England hit its lowest level
Signs of drought were apparent in Koege, in Denmark
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Overview

  • An analysis of May 11–20 data by the European Drought Observatory shows 53% of Europe and the Mediterranean basin faced drought conditions—the highest level since records began in 2012.
  • Nearly half the region’s soils registered at warning (42%) or alert (5%) moisture levels, indicating abnormal vegetation stress.
  • Northern, eastern and central Europe saw high drought alert levels, including 19% of Ukraine and 17% of Belarus placed under alert status.
  • The UK endured its hottest spring on record and the driest in over 50 years, with drought affecting 98% of its territory since mid-March.
  • The European Central Bank warned on May 23 that drought could erode up to 15% of eurozone production, posing significant risks to economic output.