An antidote to the recent rain is the August edition of Drought News from the European Commission. This details the continuous high temperatures that parts of Europe have been experiencing, along with up to 60% less rainfall.
France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Hungary, the Czech Republic, northern Italy and northern Spain experienced exceptional conditions. Temperatures topped 30C for 30 days in these countries and 40 days in Spain. This combined with lack of rain had a serious effect on vegetation and river flows.
Hydro-electricity stations across central Europe were affected and both nuclear and fossil fuel power plants that rely on rivers for cooling water were forced to reduce power or close altogether. River traffic was halted, crops died, water restrictions were introduced and wildfires were frequent.
The report says that net gainers included solar power production, grapes for wine and outdoor activities including tourism, although the report’s compilers had obviously not heard grumbling British holidaymakers complaining about the heat and wondering whether to return next year.
By comparison the UK got off lightly. Although in some parts of the east it was very dry it was only occasionally hot and often cloudy so the landscape was not parched.
The report says that it will take months of above average rainfall to replenish moisture in Europe’s soils.
One surprise in the report is that the Mediterranean coastal areas, usually the hottest and driest, have in some cases more rainfall than usual and one cheerful note, Greece is described as “greener”.
