The climate crisis drought is intensifying across Europe as record-breaking heatwaves suck soils dry, a new scientific analysis reveals. Extreme temperatures supercharged by global heating have made atmospheric evaporation 80 times more likely in western Europe and 40 times more likely in the east, leading to severe soil dryness and water shortages.
How the Climate Crisis Redefines Drought in Europe
Traditionally, droughts are linked to low rainfall, but this summer, high temperatures have become the dominant driver. Even after a wet winter in western Europe, soils have reached extreme drought levels—conditions that would have been classified as moderate in a pre-industrial climate. The study shows that pollution from fossil fuels made soil dryness five times more likely in the west and 11 times more likely in the east.
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Key Impacts Across the Continent
The drought has already triggered emergency water restrictions in many countries. Most parts of southern England are under a hosepipe ban, while deadly wildfires have raged through Spain and France. Farmers are facing some of the driest soils on record, leading to massive crop losses.
About 9 million tonnes of grain are expected to be lost across Europe. In France, the maize harvest is heading for its worst in 50 years, and Romanian farmers have lost over a million hectares of crops. Rivers are running dangerously low, cutting hydropower generation and restricting cargo shipping. The Rhine at Lobith in the Netherlands is now lower than its minimum level during the hot summer of 1976.
| Region | Increased Likelihood of Heat-Driven Evaporation | Increased Likelihood of Extreme Soil Dryness |
|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | 80 times more likely | 5 times more likely |
| Eastern Europe | 40 times more likely | 11 times more likely |
The Ripple Effect on Food and Energy Prices
The disruption to agriculture and energy is expected to push up the price of food and energy, hitting low-income households hardest. Less hydropower means increased reliance on fossil fuels, creating a vicious cycle. Scientists warn that the link between the human-caused climate crisis and the drying of European summers is now undeniable.
Key Takeaways
- Extreme heat, not just low rainfall, is now the primary driver of European droughts.
- Climate change has made heatwaves up to 80 times more likely in some regions.
- Severe soil dryness is causing massive crop losses and reduced hydropower output.
- Water restrictions and wildfires are already widespread across the continent.
- Food and energy prices are expected to rise, disproportionately affecting poorer households.
FAQ
What is causing the current drought in Europe?
The drought is primarily driven by extreme heat made more likely by the climate crisis. High temperatures evaporate water from soils, rivers, and lakes much faster than normal, even after wet winters.
How does the climate crisis increase evaporation?
Global heating raises average temperatures, which in turn increases the atmosphere's capacity to hold moisture. This accelerates evaporation from land and water bodies, leading to faster soil drying and reduced water availability.
What are the economic impacts of this drought?
The drought is causing massive crop losses—especially maize and grain—and reducing hydropower generation. This is likely to raise food and energy prices, straining household budgets across Europe.
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