The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe as of late May, with severe, enduring and critical conditions in the south-western Mediterranean region.
Eastern Europe is experiencing worsening drought conditions, while Scandinavia has variable drought conditions and a recent significant precipitation deficit.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) for late May 2024 indicated warning drought conditions in eastern Spain, most of southern and central-eastern Italy, Malta, most of Romania, Poland, Baltic regions, most of Greece, northern Balkans, western Cyprus, the Mediterranean islands, and most of Türkiye.
Watch conditions affected sparse regions in eastern Europe, central Scandinavia, and south-western Iberian Peninsula.
Recovery conditions were present in central Balkans, central Europe and southern Scandinavia due to recent precipitation.
In northern Scandinavia, the southern United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia, there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in central and southern Italy, Greece, and south-western Türkiye, were under alert drought conditions, with some impacts on vegetation. This phenomenon remains much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, causing significant impacts.
During this period, temperatures were close to the seasonal average in central-southern Europe, and well above the average in Scandinavia and north-eastern Europe.
Note: this analysis was performed on 14-06-2024, based on data referring to late May and computed with the new 4.0 version of the Combined Drought Indicator.
Note that the results of the CDI map in Poland and Northern Italy are affected by issues with the meteorological forcing data. These data are being re-evaluated and subsequently the indicators will be reprocessed. At the moment, in both areas there are no reported droughts.
Additionally, the map was produced using VIIRS fAPAR anomaly product covering only the period from 21 to 23 May due to an issue in the geolocation error of VIIRS affecting data from 25 May to 4 June. More information is available at https://ladsweb.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/alerts-and-issues/143045 .
Mid-May 2024
The map displays persistent drought in southern Europe as of mid-May, with severe, enduring and critical conditions in the western Mediterranean region.
Eastern Europe is experiencing variable drought conditions, while Scandinavia has scattered drought spots with minimal impacts.
There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) for mid-May 2024 indicated warning drought conditions in eastern Spain, most of southern and central-eastern Italy, Malta, most of Romania, eastern Poland, most of Greece, northern Balkans, western Cyprus, the Mediterranean islands, and most of Türkiye.
Watch conditions affected sparse regions in eastern Europe, north-western Türkiye, and western Scandinavia.
Recovery conditions persisted or evolved into no drought conditions in central Balkans following a brief precipitation deficit.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, most of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Italy and eastern Spain, were under alert drought conditions, with some impacts on the vegetation. This phenomenon remains much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, causing significant impacts.
During this period, temperatures were close to the seasonal average in central-southern Europe, and above the average in northern and western Europe. Brief heatwaves occurred in Scandinavia, northern UK and southern Italy.
Beginning of May 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in early May, with severe, persistent and critical conditions in the southern Mediterranean region.
South-eastern Europe is experiencing variable drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing scattered drought spots with no significant impact. There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in early May 2024 indicated that eastern Spain, most of southern and central-eastern Italy, Malta, most of Romania, most of Greece, northern Balkans, western Cyprus, the Mediterranean islands, and most of Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected sparse regions in central Balkans, north-western Türkiye, and eastern Ukraine.
Recovery conditions persisted or evolved into no drought conditions in central Balkans after the previous brief precipitation deficit.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, most of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Italy and eastern Spain, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon remains much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, causing significant impacts.
During this period, temperatures have been close to the seasonal average across Europe, except for the Iberian Peninsula where they have been slightly warmer. A brief warm spell occurred in the UK.
- Drought conditions in Europe at the end of April 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in late April, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region.
Southeastern Europe is experiencing variable drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing scattered drought spots with no significant impact. There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in late April 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, most of southern and central Italy, Malta, most of Romania, most of Greece, northern Balkans, Cyprus, and most of Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected sparse regions in Bulgaria, central Balkans, north-western Türkiye, and south-eastern Ukraine.
Recovery conditions appeared in central Balkans, Albania and most of Bulgaria after the previous brief precipitation deficit.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Italy and southern Spain, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon remains much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, causing significant impacts.
The drought in Marocco started in November 2023, mainly due to a failing rain/winter season, with some relief in the northern part of the country, thanks to rain in March.
During this period, temperatures have been below the seasonal average across Europe, except for eastern Europe and Türkiye. A persistent warm spell occurred in Türkiye.
- Drought conditions in Europe in mid-April 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in mid-April, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region.
South-eastern Europe is experiencing worsening drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing scattered drought spots with no significant impact. There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe and conditions are stable over Europe.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in mid-April 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, most of southern and central Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, northern Balkans, Cyprus, and most of Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected most of Bulgaria, central Balkans, north-western Türkiye, and south-eastern Ukraine.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus there recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Italy and southern Spain, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon remains much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, causing significant impacts. Scattered rains brought some relief in Northern Morocco, leaving the rest of the country in a dire situation.
Over the Alps, a delayed but snow-rich season will improve early summer conditions, but above-average temperatures could anticipate melting.
During this period, temperatures across Europe have been above the seasonal average until 14/04/2024 and later they were close to average or lower, with warm spells in western Iberian Peninsula, most of Italy, and – shortly – eastern Europe.
- Drought conditions in Europe at the beginning of April 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in early April, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region.
South-eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions overlapping with recent precipitation deficit. Scandinavia is seeing scattered drought spots with no significant impact. There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe. The conditions are very stable over Europe.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in early April 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, most of southern and central Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, north-western Balkans, Cyprus, and central-southern Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected the western shores of the Black Sea, most of Bulgaria, central Balkans, and north-western Türkiye.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, and most of Türkiye there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Italy and southern Spain, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon remains much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, causing significant impacts. Over the Alps, a delayed but rich of snow season will improve early summer conditions, but above-average temperatures could anticipate melting.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with warm spells in eastern and central Europe, eastern Spain and some areas of Italy.
End of March 2024
Drought conditions in Europe at the end of March 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in late March, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region.
Eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions, while Scandinavia is seeing scattered drought spots with no significant impact. There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in late March 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, most of southern and central Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, north-western Balkans, Cyprus, and central-southern Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected the western shores of the Black Sea.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, central Balkans, and most of Türkiye there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Italy and southern Spain, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon continues to be much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with relevant impacts. This drought developed after the extreme European drought in 2022, and became critical during the summer of 2023. Precipitation was not enough to fully recover the deficit. Over the Alps, a delayed but rich of snow season will improve the early summer conditions, but above-average temperatures could anticipate melting.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with a short warm spell in the Iberian Peninsula, central-southern Italy, and eastern Europe.
Mid-March 2024
Drought conditions in Europe in mid-March 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in mid-March, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region.
There are almost no signs of drought in the rest of Europe. Eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing only scattered drought spots with no significant impact.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in mid-March 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, south-western France, most of Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, north-western Balkans, Cyprus, and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected the western shores of the Black Sea.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, central Balkans, and most of Türkiye there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in southern Italy and southern Spain were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon continues to be much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with relevant impacts.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with a short warm spell in the Iberian Peninsula.
Beginning of March 2024
Drought conditions in Europe at the beginning of March 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in early March, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region and almost no drought in the rest of Europe.
Eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing only scattered drought spots with no significant impact.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in early March 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, north-western Balkans, Cyprus, and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
Watch conditions affected the western and northern shores of the Black Sea.
In most of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, central-eastern Balkans, and most of Türkiye there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in southern Italy, southern Spain and Malta, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon continues to be much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with relevant impacts.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with a short warm spell in eastern and northern Europe. Positively, despite being late in the season, the Alps, Apennines, and Pyrenees were covered by snow, giving some prospect for irrigation water availability in spring 2024 for the surrounding plains.
End of February 2024
Drought conditions in Europe at the end of February 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in late February, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region and almost no drought in the rest of Europe.
Eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing variable drought conditions, but no significant impact is observed due to the dormant vegetation in that area in February, and recent precipitation triggered some recovery.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in late February 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, north-western Balkans, Cyprus and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, central-eastern Balkans, and most of Türkiye there were recovery or normal conditions.
Scandinavia was showing variable conditions based on precipitation patterns, as reflected in the CDI classes.
Some areas in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in southern Italy, southern Spain and Malta, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon is much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where the situation is serious and led to water rationing and dried-up reservoirs. Also in Spain, notably in Catalonia, reservoirs were reported to be empty, and rationing was put in place.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with a prolonged warm spell in eastern Europe.
Mid-February 2024
Drought conditions in Europe in mid-February 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in mid-February, with severe and critical conditions in most of the Mediterranean region and almost no drought in the rest of Europe.
Eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions. Scandinavia is seeing variable drought conditions, but no significant impact is observed due to the dormant vegetation in that area in February. Recent precipitation triggered some recovery.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in mid-February 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, Malta, central Romania, most of Greece, north-western Balkans, Cyprus and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, central-eastern Balkans, and most of Türkiye, scattered warning conditions were disappearing, with recovery or normal conditions.
Scandinavia was showing variable conditions based on precipitation patterns, as reflected in the CDI classes. Recent precipitation favoured the recovery in particular in southern UK and Scandinavia. Scattered conditions appeared also in France and Italy.
Some areas in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in southern Italy, southern Spain and Malta, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon is much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where the situation is serious and led to water rationing and dried-up reservoirs. Also in Spain, notably in Catalonia, reservoirs were reported to be empty, and rationing was put in place.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with a prolonged warm spell in eastern and central Europe.
Beginning of February 2024
Drought conditions in Europe at the beginning of February 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe in early February, with most of the Mediterranean Region facing severe and critical conditions, while the rest of Europe shows almost no drought.
Eastern Europe is experiencing residual drought conditions. Meanwhile, Scandinavia is seeing variable drought conditions, but no significant impact is observed due to the dormant vegetation in that area in February. However, low water levels in rivers and creeks are expected.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in early February 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, Malta, central Romania, southern Greece, Cyprus and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, the Balkans, and most of Türkiye, scattered warning conditions were decreasing and mostly there were recovery or normal conditions.
Scandinavia was showing variable conditions based on precipitation patterns, as reflected in the CDI classes.
Some areas in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in southern Italy, southern Spain and Malta, were under alert conditions, with drought affecting vegetation. This phenomenon is much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where the situation is serious and led to water rationing and dried-up reservoirs. Also in Spain, notably in Catalonia, reservoirs were reported to be empty, and rationing was put in place.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average across Europe, with a prolonged warm spell in the Alps, Italy, and eastern Europe. In the Alps, the snowpack is lower than usual.
End of January 2024
Drought conditions in Europe at the end of January 2024
The map displays persistent drought conditions in southern Europe with most of the Mediterranean Region facing bad and potentially critical conditions, while the rest of Europe shows almost no drought in late January.
Eastern Europe is experiencing some progressive recovery, and Scandinavia is also seeing recovery conditions.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in late January 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, Malta, eastern Poland, central Romania, southern Greece, Cyprus and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, the Balkans, most of Türkiye, and northern Greece, scattered warning conditions were decreasing and mostly there were recovery, normal or very wet conditions.
Most of Scandinavia was recovering thanks to some precipitation after a recent short meteorological drought, reflected in the CDI that shows recovery conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in southern Italy, southern Spain and Malta, are under alert conditions, with vegetation affected by the drought. This phenomenon is much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where the situation is serious, leading to water rationing and dried up reservoirs. To alleviate the situation, the Moroccan government is accelerating projects to desalinate seawater.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average for the entire Europe, with short warm spells in the Alps and northern Scandinavia. In the Alps, the snowpack is lower than usual, even if snow is expected for February.
Mid-January 2024
Drought conditions in Europe in mid-January 2024
The map displays very stable conditions for drought in Europe: bad and potentially critical conditions for most of the Mediterranean regions, while almost no drought across most of the rest of Europe in mid-January with respect to drought hazard.
Eastern Europe is continuing some progressive recovering, while northern Scandinavia is experiencing initial meteorological drought.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in mid-January 2024 indicated that southern and eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, Malta, eastern Poland, central Romania, southern Greece, Cyprus and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, the inner and Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, most of France, Benelux, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, the Balkans, most of Türkiye, and northern Greece, scattered warning conditions were decreasing and mostly there were recovery or normal conditions.
Some regions of northern Scandinavia experienced meteorological drought and the CDI reflected this lack of precipitation with watch conditions.
Some areas in the Mediterranean, particularly in southern Italy, southern Spain and Malta, were under “alert” conditions, with vegetation affected by the drought. This phenomenon is much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where the situation appears to be serious.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average for central and southern Europe, with a short warm spell in the Iberian Peninsula. In the Southern Alps, the snowpack is lower than usual. Temperatures were lower than usual in northern Europe.
Beginning of January 2024
Drought conditions in Europe at the beginning of January 2024
The map displays worsening and potentially drought critical conditions in the Mediterranean regions, while most of the rest of Europe has seen an improvement in drought hazard at the beginning of January. Eastern Europe has also experiencing some progressive recovering.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) at the beginning of January 2024 indicated south-eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, eastern Poland, central Romania, southern Greece, and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, most of the Iberian Peninsula, most of France, the Netherlands, Germany, most of Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, the Balkans, most of Türkiye, and northern Greece scattered warning conditions were decreasing and mostly theere were recovery or normal conditions.
Some regions of northern Scandinavia experienced meteorological drought, as reflected by the CDI that indicated watch conditions due to lack of precipitation.
Some areas in the Mediterranean, particularly southern Italy and southern Spain, were under “alert” conditions, with vegetation affected by the drought. This phenomenon is much more severe and prolonged in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where the situation appears to be serious. Morocco is entering its sixth consecutive year of drought.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average in central and southern Europe, with a short warm spell in eastern Europe. In the Alps, the snowpack is lower than usual. Temperatures have been lower than usual in northern Europe.
End of December 2023
The map displays improved conditions across Europe at the end of December with respect to drought risk.
The Mediterranean regions remained under drought conditions, while eastern Europe has been experiencing some progressive recovering with precipitation.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) at the end of December 2023 indicated south-eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, north-eastern Poland, part of Moldova, central Romania, southern Greece and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, most of Iberian Peninsula, most of France, the Netherlands, Germany, southern Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, the Balkans, most of Türkiye, northern Greece, scattered warning conditions were decreasing and mostly there were recovery or normal conditions.
Only a few areas in the Mediterranean, particularly in southern Italy and southern Spain, were under “alert” conditions, with vegetation affected by the drought. This phenomenon extends to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where the situation appears to be serious. Morocco is entering the sixth consecutive year of drought. The Global Drought Observatory provides more social economic information regarding these countries.
During this period, temperatures have been above the seasonal average for most of Europe, with a short warm spell in Italy and eastern Europe. In the Alps, the snowpack is lower than usual.
Mid-December 2023
The map displays improved conditions across Europe in mid-December with respect to drought risk.
The Mediterranean regions remained under drought conditions, while eastern Europe has been experiencing some precipitation leading to less drought conditions.
The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) in mid-December 2023 indicated south-eastern Spain, southern France, most of Italy, north-eastern Poland, part of Moldova, central Romania, southern Greece and central Türkiye were in warning conditions.
In most of Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, most of Iberian Peninsula, most of France, the Netherlands, Germany, southern Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, the Balkans, most of Türkiye and northern Greece, scattered warning conditions were decreasing and mostly there were recovery or normal conditions.
Only a few areas in the Mediterranean, particularly in southern Italy, were under “alert” conditions, with vegetation affected by the drought.
During this period, temperatures have been slightly above the seasonal average for most of Europe, with a short warm spell in southern Baltic regions. In the Alps and central Europe, this positive temperature anomaly led to less snow precipitation in favour of more rain. Therefore, water levels in Rhine, Elbe, Weser and Meuse were higher than usual in December, occurring earlier than the typical snowmelt season.