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France's driest winter since 1959: Dramatic images show European drought's impact amid heat wave

Camille Fine, USA TODAY
·2 min read

Alarming images of scenes normally associated with dry, hot summers, are a stunning testament to the unprecedented winter heat wave gripping Europe.

France has recorded the longest winter drought since record-keeping began in 1959, joining a host of other European countries experiencing severe conditions.

Snowmelt from French mountains is crucial to replenish depleted rivers and reservoirs. The weather service has warned that levels are much lower than usual for this time of year in the French Alps, the Pyrenees and other ranges.

As a result, some water-abundant landmarks have been reduced to barren, muddied pits.

This aerial photograph taken on February 24, 2023, shows the low water level of the Tolla lake, on the French Mediterranean Island of Corsica. France has not seen any significant rainfall for more than 31 days, "Meteo-France" confirmed on February 21. Around France, residents are sharing images of dried-up riverbeds or shrunken lakes – shocking sights in the depths of winter.
This photograph shows boats on the partially dry Lake Montbel, south-western France, on February 21, 2023.
This photograph shows boats on the partially dry Lake Montbel, south-western France, on February 21, 2023.
Children play in a dried riverbed in Flassans-sur-Issole, southern France, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. France recorded 32 days without rain this winter – the longest such winter drought since record-keeping began in 1959.
Children play in a dried riverbed in Flassans-sur-Issole, southern France, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. France recorded 32 days without rain this winter – the longest such winter drought since record-keeping began in 1959.
This photograph shows part of the dry Lake Montbel, south-western France, on February 21, 2023.
This photograph shows part of the dry Lake Montbel, south-western France, on February 21, 2023.

Experts say records are being broken more frequently due to climate change around the world.

The Alps are Europe's most important mountain range for supplying rivers. The range has seen a 5.6% reduction in snow cover duration per decade over the last 50 years, according to a report published by Nature Climate Change last month.

In Italy, Venice’s iconic canals, meant for gondolas and water taxis, have diminished to the point that travel was halted.or the first time in decades, the country is bracing for a second consecutive year of drought.

In Germany,  dry soil due to low rainfall led to a 12% drop in the vegetable harvest last year, Germany's Federal Statistical Office said in a Feb. 27 statement.

In Spain, 2022 marked the nation's hottest year and the country's third-driest year since record-keeping began in 1961. Restrictions on agricultural and industrial water use have been implemented in Catalonia since November.

Boats are docked along a dried canal during a low tide in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Some of Venice's secondary canals have practically dried up lately due a prolonged spell of low tides linked to a lingering high-pressure weather system.
Boats are docked along a dried canal during a low tide in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Some of Venice's secondary canals have practically dried up lately due a prolonged spell of low tides linked to a lingering high-pressure weather system.
This photograph taken on Feb. 8, 2022, shows an aerial view of the partially submerged Church of Sant Roma, visible due to the low water level of the Sau reservoir, in Vilanova de Sau, Catalonia.
This photograph taken on Feb. 8, 2022, shows an aerial view of the partially submerged Church of Sant Roma, visible due to the low water level of the Sau reservoir, in Vilanova de Sau, Catalonia.
A view of the peninsula of Sirmione, on Garda lake, Italy, on, Aug. 12, 2022.
A view of the peninsula of Sirmione, on Garda lake, Italy, on, Aug. 12, 2022.

Dried up riverbeds and lakes prompted French President Emmanuel Macron’s government to ramp up an urgent "water plan" to avoid "catastrophic conditions." The plan would restrict water usage in more areas to prepare for the coming summer months — which have been exceptionally dry the last two years, Reuters reported.

Similar conditions in 2022 harmed farm economies, forced water restrictions, caused wildfires and threatened aquatic species.

Water restrictions typically occur in the summer, not winter, but such measures have already been implemented in 87 municipalities across southern France, the outlet reported.

Weather forecaster Meteo-France said that rainfall over the next three months is critical for groundwater and rivers returning to their usual levels ahead of the summer, Reuters added.

A man walks over a dried riverbed in Flassans-sur-Issole, southern France, Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
A man walks over a dried riverbed in Flassans-sur-Issole, southern France, Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Two people walk their dogs near the partially dry Lake Montbel, south-western France, on February 21, 2023.
Two people walk their dogs near the partially dry Lake Montbel, south-western France, on February 21, 2023.
A teenager walks along the shrunken Tolla lake due to drought, on the French Mediterranean Island of Corsica, on February 24, 2023.
A teenager walks along the shrunken Tolla lake due to drought, on the French Mediterranean Island of Corsica, on February 24, 2023.
Pools are seen in a dry pond near Villars-les-Dombes, in the Lyon's countryside, central France, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
Pools are seen in a dry pond near Villars-les-Dombes, in the Lyon's countryside, central France, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
This photograph taken on February 23, 2023, shows the dry river bed of the Agly river, the main river of the catchment area on the outskirts of Estagel, southern France. -
This photograph taken on February 23, 2023, shows the dry river bed of the Agly river, the main river of the catchment area on the outskirts of Estagel, southern France. -
This photograph taken on February 23, 2023, shows the lowest level dam of the Agly river, the main river of the catchment area near Caramany, southern France.
This photograph taken on February 23, 2023, shows the lowest level dam of the Agly river, the main river of the catchment area near Caramany, southern France.
This picture shows the Canal de Provence, near Brignoles, southeastern France, on February 21, 2023.
This picture shows the Canal de Provence, near Brignoles, southeastern France, on February 21, 2023.

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Camille Fine is a trending visual producer on USA TODAY's NOW team. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France's driest winter since 1959: See drought impact across Europe