In 2023, Europe has experienced drought-like conditions amid heat waves.

France

The Pyrénées-Orientales Department of Southern France officially declared itself at a drought "crisis" level on the 10th May.[1] A dry winter limited replenishment of water tables, depleted in the 2022 European drought. Agriculture in France has been impacted.[2]

Italy

At Lake Garda, where the water level is 70cm (27in) lower than average, the Alps have reportedly had 63% less snow than usual.[3] As a result of water shortages, rice production has been cut.[4] Canals in Venice dried up.[5]

Spain

The Fuente de Piedra Lagoon is now a salt flat due to the heat.

In Catalonia, the Sau reservoir has been at 9 per cent of its total capacity.[6] 2023 has been Catalonia's worse drought in decades.[7] The April 2023 heat wave has also exacerbated drought problems. The Fuente de Piedra Lagoon went dry for the first time in 20 years due to the heatwave.[8]

The Doñana National Park is being threatened by drought.[9]

United Kingdom

Drought warnings are in place for the summer.[10] It was the driest February since 1993.[11] Scientists said that this increased the drought risk for other regions of England.[12]

It was the wettest March in over 40 years for England and Wales.[13] According to South West Water, Devon and Cornwall are experiencing the driest conditions in nearly 90 years.[14] From 25 April 2023, South West Water will extend a hosepipe ban to parts of Devon.[15]

See also

References

  1. "Drought prompts French ban on garden swimming pools - BBC News". 26 May 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. Sandford, Alasdair (22 February 2023). "Europe is experiencing a winter drought: here's what you should know". euronews. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  3. Henley, Jon; Jones, Sam; Giuffrida, Angela; Oltermann, Philip (4 March 2023). "'Very precarious': Europe faces growing water crisis as winter drought worsens". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  4. Boffa, Carlogiovanni (24 March 2023). "Italy to cut rice output as drought looms for second year". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  5. "Italy drought exposes walkway on Lake Garda and Venice canals dry up". Sky News. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  6. Frost, Rosie (3 April 2023). "How are Europeans preparing for another summer of extreme drought?". euronews. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  7. "Climate change: Catalonia in grip of worst drought in decades". BBC News. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  8. Stuber, Matías (28 April 2023). "Malaga's famous flamingo lagoon dries up". Sur in English. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  9. "Water wars: meet the guardians of one of Europe's most vital wetlands". The Guardian. 10 August 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  10. "One hot, dry spell away from drought returning this summer, National Drought Group warns". GOV.UK. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  11. Horton, Helena; reporter, Helena Horton Environment (1 March 2023). "Driest February in England since 1993 signals drought ahead, say experts". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  12. "Drought risk to England regions after dry February, scientists warn". BBC News. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  13. "Wettest March in over 40 years for England and Wales". Met Office. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  14. "Devon and Cornwall still in drought - water firm". BBC News. 3 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  15. "South West Water hosepipe ban to be extended to parts of Devon". BBC News. 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
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