A new study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group concludes that human-induced climate change is driving more intense drought periods in Europe, primarily through extreme heat rather than a lack of precipitation.
The findings challenge the conventional view that rainfall deficits are the sole driver of soil dryness, pointing instead to elevated temperatures accelerating evaporation rates.
The research arrives as Europe contends with a major heatwave, particularly affecting France and Italy.
According to recent data, the frequency of extreme weather events in Italy has more than doubled since 2019, underscoring the accelerating pace of the climate crisis in the region.
The WWA analysis suggests that even in areas with normal rainfall, high temperatures can strip moisture from the soil and vegetation, creating drought-like conditions.
For markets, the distinction between rainfall-driven and heat-driven drought is significant.