Drought conditions remained stable and critical in most of Europe and worsened in central-western Europe in late June. The Baltic Sea region and the Iberian Peninsula show some areas of recovery but watch and warning conditions persist.
Europe experienced above-average temperatures with an extensive and prolonged heatwave over most of Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In late June 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in part of Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Austria and worsened in Hungary, Romania, France, and the UK.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions remained generally stable in Europe and extensively expanded in France.
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or slightly reduced in the Iberian Peninsula, France, southern UK, southern Germany, the Alps, Italy and some regions in the Balkans.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions were present in some regions of the Baltic Sea area and in the Iberian Peninsula.
Note: this analysis was performed on 16-07-2026, based on data updated in late June 2026 and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions for the warning status, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO), to get complementary drought data.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (late 2026).
The map shows the accumulated warm spell intensity on 16 July in Europe in degrees Celsius (°C), based on the temperature anomalies method.
A warm spell is a sequence of three or more days where both minimum and maximum temperatures exceed their 90th percentile thresholds (1991–2020 climate period). Intensity is the sum of these exceedances on any given day.
Based on ERA5 data with an extension based on Destination Earth Extreme DT. Spatial resolution: 0.25 decimal degrees.
The map shows the Low-Flow Index (LFI) across Europe in late June 2026, with values ranging from mild to extreme low-flow.
The Low-Flow Index (LFI) is based on 6-hour river discharge simulations from the JRC's LISFLOOD hydrological model, capturing periods of unusually low streamflow and comparing them against historical conditions from 1995–2024 to determine severity.
The index reflects hydrological drought — below-normal water availability in rivers — and is expressed as a value from 0 to 1, where higher values indicate more severe and prolonged low-flow conditions.
Drought situation in Europe for 2026
Find below the drought situation in Europe for 2026 described by our Combined Drought Indicator (CDI).
For the history of drought conditions before January 2026, see our past drought analyses (December 2023 to December 2025).
June 2026
Mid-June 2026
Drought conditions worsened in most of Europe in mid-June. The Baltic Sea region shows some areas of recovery, but warning and alert conditions persisted.
Europe experienced above-average temperatures with the onset of a heatwave over most of central-western Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In mid-June 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and in the Baltic Sea region and worsened in Hungary, Romania, France, Germany, Austria, and the UK.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions remained generally stable; the only exception is the recovery regions in the Baltic Sea area.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO), to get complementary drought data.
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or expanded in the Iberian Peninsula, France, southern UK, southern Germany, the Alps, Italy and some regions in the Balkans.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions emerged in some regions of the Baltic Sea area and in small areas in the Iberian Peninsula.
Note: this analysis was performed on 03-07-2026, based on data updated in mid-June 2026 (11-17 June) and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (late 2026).
Early June 2026
Drought conditions worsened in Europe in early June. Europe experienced slightly above average temperatures with short heatwaves over the Iberian Peninsula and northern Scandinavia.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In early June 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions expanded in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and in the Baltic Sea regions and emerged in France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the UK.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions remained stable or expanded in north-eastern Europe, in western Russia, in central Europe and in the UK.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions emerged in the Iberian Peninsula, persisted in eastern Europe, and reduced in southern Germany, eastern France, north-eastern Italy, and partly in the UK.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions emerged in some regions of the Baltic Sea area and in small areas in the Iberian Peninsula.
Note: this analysis was performed on 03-07-2026, based on data updated in mid-June 2026 (11-17 June) and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (late 2026).
May 2026
Late May 2026
Drought conditions worsened in Europe in late May. Europe experienced above average temperatures with a large and prolonged heatwave over the Iberian Peninsula, the UK, France, the Alps and Italy.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In late May 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions expanded in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and in the Baltic Sea regions.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions remained stable or expanded in north-eastern Europe, in western Russia, and in the UK.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted in eastern and central-southern Europe, France, and the western Iberian Peninsula.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in northern Europe.
Note: this analysis was performed on 12-06-2026, based on data updated in late May 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (late 2026).
Mid-May 2026
Drought conditions worsened over north-eastern Europe and slightly improved over central Europe and Scandinavia in mid-May. Europe experienced close-to-average temperatures except for a short warm-spell over north-eastern Scandinavia.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In mid-May 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions expanded in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and in the Baltic Sea regions.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions remained stable in north-eastern Europe, in western Russia, and in the UK and reduced in central-western Europe.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted in eastern and central-southern Europe and emerged in France and the western Iberian Peninsula.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in France, Benelux, Germany, Scandinavia, and across Belarus, Lithuania and Latvia.
Note: this analysis was performed on 29-05-2026, based on data updated at early May 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (late 2026).
Early May 2026
In early May 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI), drought conditions over north-eastern and central-western Europe expanded and worsened in early May. Temperatures in Europe were close to the average.
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions slowly expanded in Ukraine and Belarus and emerged also in the Baltic Sea regions.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions expanded in north-eastern Europe and western Russia and emerged in central-western Europe.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or, across large regions, deteriorated further into warning class.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in northern Scandinavia and in some small regions in central Europe, France, Switzerland and western Italy.
Note: this analysis was performed on 22-05-2026, based on data updated at early May 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (late 2026).
April 2026
Late April 2026
In late April 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions emerged in Ukraine and Belarus.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions expanded in north-eastern Europe and western Russia and persisted in central-eastern Europe.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted in north-eastern Europe. Additional areas emerged in France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in the Iberian Peninsula, central Europe, Albania, and western Russia. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 13-05-2026, based on data updated at late April 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (to be released by end 2026).
Mid-April 2026
Drought conditions over north-eastern Europe slightly expanded in mid-April, remaining stable over the rest of Europe.
Europe experienced close-to-average temperatures, with short warm spells affecting the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, western Balkans and Norway.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In mid-April 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions remained stable in very small areas or reduced in south-eastern Europe.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions slightly expanded in north-eastern Europe and western Russia and persisted in central-eastern Europe. Small areas emerged in France, Italy and western Balkans.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or slightly expanded in north-eastern Europe. Other areas appeared in western France, north-western Spain, Italy, Romania and Albania.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in the eastern Iberian Peninsula, central Europe, and western Russia. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 28-04-2026, based on data updated at mid-April 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (to be released by end 2026).
Early April 2026
Drought conditions over north-eastern Europe slightly worsened in early April, while remaining stable over the rest of Europe.
Europe experienced slightly above average temperatures, with short warm spells affecting north-eastern Europe, the Alps and the Pyrenees.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In early April 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions got reduced to very small areas in northern Africa and in the eastern Mediterranean.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions expanded in Belarus and the Baltic Sea regions, had a slight reduction in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and persisted in Poland, Hungary, Romania Türkiye, and in the northern UK.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or reduced in north-eastern Europe and appeared in north-eastern Spain and southern France.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in central and eastern Europe. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 20-04-2026, based on data updated in early April 2026 and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025.We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (to be released by end 2026).
March 2026
Late March 2026
Long term drought conditions worsened in late March over central-eastern Europe. Recent meteorological drought continued affecting North-eastern Europe.
Europe experienced close to the average temperatures, with warm spells affecting north-eastern Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In late March 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions got slightly reduced in northern Africa and western Syria and increased in Crete, while small areas emerged in the eastern Mediterranean.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions expanded in Poland and Belarus, and persisted in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Romania, north-western Balkans, Crete, Türkiye, and in the northern UK.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or expanded in north-eastern Europe, while in the Balkans, Austria, Czech Republic, and Denmark conditions improved considerably.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in central and northern Europe and in the Balkans. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 09-04-2026, based on data updated at late March 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
Mid-March 2026
Long term drought conditions over Europe remained stable in mid-March. North-eastern Europe continued to be affected by the recent meteorological drought, while central Europe recovered from a recent meteorological drought. Temperatures were above average, with short warm spells in north-eastern Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In mid-March 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in northern Africa and western Syria, while small areas emerged in the eastern Mediterranean.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persisted in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, north-western Balkans, Crete, Türkiye, and in the northern UK.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted or expanded in north-eastern Europe, and Austria, while in Germany, the Netherlands and the Alps conditions improved considerably.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in central Europe. Across Europe, large areas are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 26-03-2026, based on data updated at mid-March 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
Early March 2026
Long term drought conditions over Europe remained stable in early March. Central and north-eastern Europe has been affected by the recent meteorological drought. Temperatures were slightly above average, with short warm spells in southern Scandinavia.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In early March 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in northern Africa and western Syria.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persisted in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, north-western Balkans, Crete, Cyprus, Türkiye, and in the northern UK.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European or Global Drought Observatory (EDO/GDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persist or expanded in north-eastern Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and eastern Alps.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in northern Scandinavia. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 20-03-2026, based on data updated in early March 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We expect the fix to be implemented in the next EDO update using EFAS v6.0 data (to be released by end 2026).
February 2026
Late January
Long term drought conditions over Europe slowly improved in late February. The recent meteorological drought partially recovered in northern Europe. Temperatures were slightly above average, with short warm spells in central and northwestern Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In late February 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in northern Africa and western Syria. Some small, localised spots emerged in central Europe.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persisted in the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Romania, north-western Balkans, Türkiye, and in the northern UK. The spatial extent of warning conditions increased in Poland and decreased in in France and Belgium.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European Drought Observatory (EDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persist in north-eastern Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and eastern Alps.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in Scandinavia, and central Northern Europe. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 10-03-2026, based on data updated at late February 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We are working to resolve these issues and will provide updates as soon as possible.
Mid-February 2026
Long term drought conditions over Europe remained stable in mid February. The recent meteorological drought, that developed quickly over large regions in central and central-eastern Europe, has been partially recovering in Central Europe. Temperatures were close to average in Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In early February 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in northern Africa and western Syria.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persisted in Belgium, the southern part of the Netherlands, and in the northern UK. The spatial extent of warning conditions slightly increased in some regions in Germany, Hungary, and Romania, while reduced in north-western France.
Due to known issues (currently under investigation) that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European Drought Observatory (EDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persist in north-eastern Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and eastern Alps.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in central Europe, Switzerland, north-western France, Türkiye, and in some regions of Russia. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 02-03-2026, based on data updated at mid-February 2026, and computed with version 4.1 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
Early February 2026
Long term drought conditions over Europe remained stable in early February. In the same period a recent meteorological drought developed quickly over large regions in central and central-eastern Europe, worsening sparse warning conditions.
Temperatures were close to average in Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In early February 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in northern Africa, Cyprus and western Syria.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persist in north-western France, Belgium, the southern part of the Netherlands, and in the northern UK. The spatial extent of warning conditions increased in some regions in Germany, Hungary, and Romania.
Due to known issues currently under investigation that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European Drought Observatory (EDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions persisted in central and north-eastern Europe.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in Spain, eastern France, north-eastern Germany, Türkiye, and in some regions in Russia. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 26-02-2026, based on data updated at early February 2026, and computed with version 4.0 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We are working to resolve these issues and will provide updates as soon as possible.
January 2026
Late January 2026
Long term drought conditions over Europe remained stable in late January. At the same time a recent meteorological drought developed quickly over large regions in central and north-eastern Europe. Temperatures were close to average.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in the Iberian Peninsula, in south-eastern Türkiye, in northern Africa, and in small areas in Cyprus, Sicily, Sardinia, and north-western France. In some regions, below-expected vegetation may be attributed also to changes in land and agricultural management strategies, to former severe and persistent drought conditions, and/or to over wet conditions.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persist in north-western France, Belgium, the southern part of the Netherlands, and in the northern UK. Smaller regions in south-eastern Europe, Italy, Spain, and central Germany remained affected. Conditions continued to improve across central-eastern Europe.
Due to known issues currently under investigation that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European Drought Observatory (EDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions emerged in central and north-eastern Europe.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in north-eastern Italy, Türkiye, and in some regions in Russia. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 09-02-2026, based on data updated at late January 2026, and computed with version 4.0 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We are working to resolve these issues and will provide updates as soon as possible.
Mid January 2026
Drought conditions over Europe improved in mid-January. Over large regions in central and eastern Europe and in Türkiye recent meteorological drought rapidly recovered as well as longer droughts over eastern Europe.
Besides a few short and mild warm spells in France, central-western Alps, Italy and Pyrenees, temperatures were close to the average.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in the Iberian Peninsula, in south-eastern Türkiye, in northern Africa, and in small areas in Cyprus, Sicily and Sardinia, persisting from the previous period. Western France started registering alert conditions. In some regions, below-expected vegetation may be attributed also to changes in land and agricultural management strategies, to former severe and persistent drought conditions and/or to over wet conditions.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions persist in north-western France, Belgium, the southern part of the Netherlands, and in the UK. Smaller areas affected remain in south-eastern Europe, Italy, Spain, and central Germany.
Conditions have improved in central-eastern Europe. Previously affected areas have been reduced in the north-western Balkans and Hungary, while south-eastern Poland has recovered. A relevant reduction in warning conditions is also observed in Türkiye.
Due to known issues currently under investigation that affect the estimated soil moisture, the CDI map may be less reliable in some regions, particularly western Russia. Users may consult the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), available at the European Drought Observatory (EDO). .
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions remained in central-eastern Alps, south-eastern Germany, Austria, western Poland, and in some regions of south-western Türkiye.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in large regions in central and eastern Europe and in Türkiye, and in small regions in Italy and in the UK. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 02-02-2026, based on data updated at mid-January 2026, and computed with version 4.0 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We are working to resolve these issues and will provide updates as soon as possible.
Early January 2026
Drought conditions over Europe remained generally stable or showed signs of improvement in the first tan days of January. Over large regions in central Europe, Italy, and eastern Europe recent meteorological drought rapidly recovered.
Temperatures were close to average, with only a few short warm spells moving from central Mediterranean to south-eastern Europe.
Detailed analysis of drought conditions
In early January 2026, according to the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI):
Alert drought conditions
Alert conditions persisted in the Iberian Peninsula, in south-eastern Türkiye, in northern Africa, and in several Mediterranean islands.
In Cyprus signs of vegetation recovery appeared in the eastern part of the island.
In some regions, below-expected vegetation activity may be also attributed to changes in land and agricultural management strategies or to former severe and persistent drought conditions.
Warning drought conditions
Warning drought conditions remained in large areas of north-western Balkans, Hungary, Türkiye, south-eastern Poland, north-western France, the southern part of the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK, while smaller areas are present in south-eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, Italy, central Germany and Austria.
Due to known issues (under investigation, currently affecting the estimated soil moisture), the CDI map may exaggerate the situation in some regions, such as western Russia. You can explore other useful drought metrics - such as the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) - directly in the website of the European Drought Observatory (EDO).
Watch drought conditions
Watch drought conditions remained in central-southern Europe, mainly over the eastern Alps, south-eastern Germany, western Poland, and south-western Türkiye.
Normal or recovery drought conditions
Recovery conditions are visible in Italy and central and eastern Europe. Large areas in Europe are under normal conditions.
Note: this analysis was performed on 22-01-2025, based on data updated in early January 2026, and computed with version 4.0 of the Combined Drought Indicator.
There are issues affecting the accuracy of the hydrological model output in the easternmost part of the domain, especially over western Russia. As a result, the Soil Moisture Index Anomaly, the derived Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) and the Low-Flow Index (LFI) should be interpreted with caution since mid-May 2025. We are working to resolve these issues and will provide updates as soon as possible.
