France facing ‘most severe drought’ in its history, PM says

French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne warned Friday that France is facing the “most severe drought” ever recorded in the country and announced the activation of a government crisis unit.

Borne said France’s third heatwave has brought about a new “historic situation” in many regions.

She stated that the drought extreme we are experiencing is threatening many communities and is a disaster for our farmers, ecosystems, and biodiversity. said Make a statement.

According to forecasts, heat could persist for at least 15 days. This can increase evaporation and water requirements, which could make the situation more serious, according to the statement.

The government’s Crisis Unit will monitor the situation in the most affected areas and coordinate actions like the provision of drinking water.

It will also monitor the effects of drought on France’s energy production, transport infrastructure, and agriculture.

EDF, the French energy giant, could be forced to lower power production at nuclear plants. Nuclear plants use river water for cooling.

Priority given to drinking water

France has now added 62 new regions where water use restrictions are in place due to the absence of rain.

The minister for ecological transition, Christophe Béchu, said During a trip to southeastern France, more than 100 towns were unable to supply drinking water and needed to be supplied by truck.

He said, “The more dire the situation is the more we give drinking water priority over other usages.” said.

France experienced a record low rainfall in July. With just 9.7 millimetres of rain according to national weather agency Meteo France, rainfall was 84 per cent down on average figures for the same month over the past three decades.

Meteo France said July 2022 was the second-driest month since 1958-1959, when measurements were first made.

Farmers are having greater difficulties feeding their livestock due to lack of fresh grass. This is especially true for fields that aren’t irrigated or crops that require large amounts of water, like corn.

Portugal records July heat

Also Friday, Portugal’s weather service reported that the country saw its hottest July on record last month.

The heat worsened Portugal’s own drought, with 45 per cent of the mainland in “extreme drought” — the highest classification — and the rest in “severe” drought, which is the second-highest, by the end of July.

Other parts of west Europe were also affected by the severe weather conditions that occurred in the first summer. Scientists predict that climate change will make it more extreme.

Experts believe that the climate of Southern Europe is becoming more like North Africa’s.

The Portuguese weather service, also known as IPMA, is a name for its acronym. said July was the hottest month since 1931, when national records were first established.

It was 25.14 C on average. said. That was almost three degrees higher than the expected July average.

National rainfall measured 3 millimetres, which was around 22 per cent of the normal amount, the IMPA said.