A heatwave during the European winter is causing rivers and lakes across the continent to reach alarmingly low levels. Hand in hand with the unusually hot climate that Europe recorded record lows in rain and lack of snow.
Drought and shrinking European rivers and lakes are usually associated with summer, but similar scenes crop up during the cold season in regions like central and southwest Europe. FranceNorth of Spain and north of Italy.
After Europe was hit by droughts last summer, experts are concerned about changing its weather patterns, and many believe it is the effect of global warming.
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Another concern among experts is how this drought could affect the continent’s water supply. A study by the Technical University of Graz in Austria, published in January, showed that the water situation in Europe is “very precarious”.
In Spain, the government has approved plans to invest around US$24 billion (Real 124 billion) in water management, including measures to improve sanitation and treatment, and modernize irrigation.
The country’s average available water has decreased by 12% since 1980 and is projected to decrease by 40% by 2050. pigs.
“We cannot guarantee the supply of water for drinking or for economic purposes if we rely solely on rain,” said Teresa Ribera, Spain’s minister for ecological transition, recently.
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France, experiencing its longest drought in 60 years, may soon impose water restrictions. The country recorded 32 consecutive days without rain between January 21 and February 21, the longest since records began in 1959.
Rivers and lakes are shrinking and the country’s soil is drier than normal, with humidity levels that were only expected for the month of April. France experienced its worst drought in 2022 and experts warn the situation could get worse if there is no rain in the coming days.
Christophe Béchu, France’s minister for ecological transition, called the winter drought “unprecedented” and warned the country was on high alert.
Snowfall is also low in the French Alps. According to the Cima Research Foundation, the region has 63% less snow than normal.
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“The situation in the Pyrenees is close to the lowest record amount of snow for this season,” said Simon Mittelberger, climatologist at MétéoFrance.
The problem is no different in Italy, where famed waters are beginning to dry up. The lack of rain makes it difficult to use the famous gangways and water taxis in Venice, a city that fears flooding at this time of year.
At Lago Gorda, a footbridge opened in the middle of the river bed, giving access to a small island. This catwalk hadn’t appeared in months.
In 2022, Italy’s longest river, the Po, faced its longest drought. Now it has 61% less water than normal for this period, which is affected by the lack of snow in the Alps.
Experts fear these weather conditions will worsen as the year progresses, with the worst yet to come.
“The year 2023 is just beginning, but it is showing worrying signs in terms of extreme weather events (and) droughts,” said Giorgio Zampetti, general manager of Legambiente, an Italian environmental group.