Local sources from Germany: Deutschlandfunk, Scinexx.
UK coverage: Sky News.
Europe is facing an unprecedented drought, with more than 40% of the continent experiencing severe dry conditions, impacting Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Albania, Poland, and Ukraine, as reported by the EU’s European Drought Observatory. The situation is aggravated by March’s record-breaking warmth, underscoring the escalating consequences of climate change on European weather patterns. Particularly in Greece, the booming tourism sector is putting additional strain on already scarce water resources, especially in popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, raising concerns over sustainable water usage and the looming threat of wildfires. A ‘particularly difficult’ wildfire season is anticipated in Greece, despite proactive measures to mitigate fire risks. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency of droughts and extreme weather phenomena across Europe to the broader impacts of global climate change, which also pose significant challenges to agriculture and energy production sectors.
In Germany, the situation mirrors the wider European crisis, with significant areas experiencing heightened aridity, necessitating increased reliance on artificial irrigation in agriculture, as observed in a Lower Rhine potato field. The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research’s Drought Monitor indicates a worrying decrease in soil moisture, particularly in the upper layers, heralding more frequent occurrences of drought. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the early part of 2025 marked the driest period since records commenced in 1931. A study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) projects extended periods of warm and dry weather across Europe, including Germany, with notable low river levels such as the Rhine. This spring drought of 2025 in Germany is symptomatic of a larger climatic pattern affecting the continent, with visible repercussions on agriculture, the environment, and water supplies. The Federation for Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) warns of potential ramifications including decreased river levels, critically low water in Lake Constance, and an elevated risk of forest fires. The EU Commission’s study further suggests that persistently low water levels in rivers could disrupt ecological balances, impacting ecosystems, drinking water, agriculture, and shipping. Agricultural experts voice concerns over the unpredictability for farmers, given the vulnerability of young plants and shallow-rooted crops. The critical situation calls for comprehensive climate protection measures to mitigate global warming effects and adapt to changing water cycles, underscoring the urgency of sustainable water management and the adaptation of urban and rural areas to enhance climate resilience. The severe drought conditions engulfing Europe, coupled with low river levels reported by the JRC, highlight an urgent need for action amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
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