The climate crisis is exacerbating Europe's drought, with extreme heat supercharging evaporation and soil dryness. This summer, the continent is experiencing conditions made 80 times more likely by global heating in western Europe and 40 times more likely in eastern Europe. The level of soil dryness in the west is made five times more likely by fossil fuel pollution, and 11 times more likely in the east. The drought is redefining what we consider extreme, with high temperatures being the key factor this summer. Western Europe's most recent winter was wet, yet the drought is classified as 'extreme' due to the climate crisis. The impacts are already severe, with emergency water restrictions, deadly wildfires, and crop losses. Rivers are running low, affecting hydropower and cargo ships, and the price of food and energy could rise, hitting low-income households hardest. The link between the climate crisis and the drying of European summers is strong, with temperatures climbing and the atmosphere's thirst increasing. The 2026 drought arrived two months earlier than in 2022, and conditions are particularly dangerous for wildfires in western Europe. The UN climate chief, Simon Stiell, warns that worsening droughts are a red alert for overheating, and rapid emissions cuts are needed to prevent further severe and costly impacts. This summer's heatwaves are a shocking reminder of the present danger of climate change, impacting access to water and food. The combination of dry weather and high temperatures is depleting water supplies and increasing usage, creating a challenging situation. The climate crisis is redefining what we consider extreme, and the impacts are already severe, highlighting the urgent need for action.
