Climate Change: Europe faces worst drought in 500 years, says study

Europe’s most severe drought in nearly 500 years is hitting homes, factories, farmers and freight across the continent, as experts warn drier winters and searing summers fuelled by global heating mean water shortages will become “the new normal”. The latest report from the Global Drought Observatory, part of the European Commission's research wing, said 47% of the continent is in "warning" conditions, meaning soil has dried up. Another 17% is on alert - meaning vegetation "shows signs of stress". The report warns that the dry spell will hit crop yields, spark wildfires, and may last several months more in some of Europe's southern regions.