Record Drought in Europe and the Mediterranean in August

Drought conditions affected over half of Europe and the Mediterranean region in the first ten days of August, according to the European Drought Observatory (EDO). 51.3% of the areas experienced drought, the highest level since 2012.

Approximately half of the region has been affected by drought since mid-April 2025, worsening the situation compared to 2022. The Drought Observatory Index of the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service uses satellite images to measure rainfall, soil moisture, and vegetation condition.

In early August, 7.8% of Europe and the Mediterranean was in a state of alert, 38.7% in warning, and 4.9% in vigilance. The Caucasus and the northern Balkans were most affected, with Georgia and Armenia affected in 97% of their territory.

Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Hungary, and Montenegro saw three-quarters of their territory in a state of alert. Heatwaves in July and August caused fires, with fatalities in Montenegro and Albania. Spain, Italy, and Portugal were also affected by major fires, while in England and France the percentage exceeds 60%.

Central Europe saw improvement, with soil moisture and vegetation returning to normal in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Fires have already destroyed over one million hectares in the EU in 2025, a record number.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ