European summer droughts are more severe than in the past 2,100 years

Droughts in Europe during the summer are more severe now than at any time in the past two millennia, a new study reveals. Researchers studied ‘chemical fingerprints’ – carbon and oxygen isotopes – in European oak trees to reconstruct summer climate over the last 2,110 years.   They found that drought conditions suddenly intensified in 2015 beyond … Read more

Istanbul is set to run out of WATER in 45 days after severe droughts

Istanbul is set to run out of WATER in 45 days: Turkey’s severe droughts and sprawling urban development are blamed for emergency Turkey is in its worst drought in 10 years with dams drying up across the country Water levels in Istanbul’s Omerli dam are at their lowest in the last 15 years  Ankara mayor confirmed … Read more

Europe’s extreme droughts could increase by seven times by 2100

WHAT CAUSED THE HEATWAVE? The heatwave was triggered by the build-up of high pressures over Europe over the past few days, leading to the northward movement of warm air from Europe over the UK. ‘At this time of year southerly winds will always lead to above average temperatures,’ said University of Reading meteorologist Peter Inness.  ‘Air from … Read more

Europe could suffer a SEVEN-FOLD increase in the number of extreme droughts by 2100, study warns 

WHAT CAUSED THE HEATWAVE? The heatwave was triggered by the build-up of high pressures over Europe over the past few days, leading to the northward movement of warm air from Europe over the UK. ‘At this time of year southerly winds will always lead to above average temperatures,’ said University of Reading meteorologist Peter Inness.  ‘Air from … Read more

Abundance of spring flowers ‘could fuel summer droughts’

An abundance of spring flowers, such as daffodils, crocuses and tulips, could be fuelling summer droughts, scientists claim, based on new computer simulations.  The unusually warm and sunny conditions experienced in Spring 2018 boosted flower growth, and therefore depleted moisture in the soil just before summer hit. This plant-driven transfer of water to the atmosphere … Read more