Western Ukraine may face a water shortage due to a prolonged drought
In the second half of September, river water levels may drop significantly in parts of Ukraine. If weather conditions develop unfavorably, this could lead to a shortage of water resources.
The conditions of the Dniester, San, Western Bug, and Tisa rivers are of greatest concern. Due to a prolonged lack of precipitation and unfavorable hydrological conditions, water levels in some bodies of water may approach critically low levels.
The risk primarily affects the western regions. These include Lviv and Zakarpattia regions, as well as certain areas of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Volyn, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
How the situation develops will depend on the amount of precipitation in the coming days. If there is insufficient rainfall, the low-water period may last longer.
Low water levels could create problems not only for the population but also for agriculture, industry, the energy sector, and natural ecosystems. At the same time, the scale of potential consequences currently depends on future weather conditions.
A drought in the Czech Republic threatens to result in the worst grain harvest in 14 years.
The drought on the Rhine threatens freight transport and the German economy.
The drought has exposed World War II-era ships on the Danube.
The drought in Europe has sharply lowered water levels in the Dniester Reservoir.
