More than half of Europe's soils were affected by drought in July, the highest rate since records began in 2012, with severe effects in Eastern Europe.

In July, 52% of Europe's soils were affected by drought, marking an all-time record since observations began in 2012. Drought was severe in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, with alarming increases in soils on alert, such as Hungary (56%) and Kosovo (43%). Heat waves led to devastating fires. In Western Europe, France recorded 68% of soils affected, while Spain and Portugal remained relatively unscathed.