The European Commission has warned today of the possibility of an even drier summer this year than last in southern (Mediterranean) countries, particularly France, Italy and Spain. Any rain that falls in the next few weeks will be crucial, says a report attesting to the exceptionally warm dry winter generally through Europe that has already had an effect on soil humidity and river flows. Even in the Alps, snow this year was ‘even less than it was last’, says the report, explaining this will have knock-on effect on rivers as there will be less melting snow and ice to reach them.
