A new report by a European Union agency claimed that the continent is currently facing its worst drought in 500 years. In the last few months, several European nations have faced massive wildfires and extreme temperatures which have caused severe damage to both life and property.&nbsp;

"The severe drought affecting many regions of Europe since the beginning of the year has been further expanding and worsening as of early August," the report said according to Reuters.&nbsp;

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The report, which was published by the European Drought Observatory (EDO), also claimed that the western part of Europe can face extremely warm weather till the end of November.&nbsp;

The wildfires in Greece, Spain and France have caused a lot of concern for the authorities in the past couple of months and the ongoing drought has also affected the production of crops. &nbsp;

It is evident from the fact that grain maze and soybean (two of the major summer crops) production in Europe has fallen by 16 and 15 per cent respectively due to lack of moisture in the soil.&nbsp;

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“The combination of a severe drought and heatwaves has created an unprecedented stress on water levels in the entire EU,” European Innovation Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are currently noticing a wildfire season sensibly above the average and an important impact on crops production,” she added according to CNBC.&nbsp;

The report stated that "47 per cent of Europe is under warning conditions and 17 per cent in a state of alert”. It also claimed that if the trend continues, this can be one of the worst droughts in history.&nbsp;

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A new report by a European Union agency claimed that the continent is currently facing its worst drought in 500 years. In the last few months, several European nations have faced massive wildfires and extreme temperatures which have caused severe damage to both life and property.

A new report by a European Union agency claimed that the continent is currently facing its worst drought in 500 years. In the last few months, several European nations have faced massive wildfires and extreme temperatures which have caused severe damage to both life and property. "The severe drought affecting many regions of Europe since the beginning of the year has been further expanding and worsening as of early August," the report said according to Reuters. ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Zelensky vows to retake annexed Crimea from Russia The report, which was published by the European Drought Observatory (EDO), also claimed that the western part of Europe can face extremely warm weather till the end of November. The wildfires in Greece, Spain and France have caused a lot of concern for the authorities in the past couple of months and the ongoing drought has also affected the production of crops. It is evident from the fact that grain maze and soybean (two of the major summer crops) production in Europe has fallen by 16 and 15 per cent respectively due to lack of moisture in the soil. ALSO READ | Pro-Bolsonaro businessmen accused of coup talk raided by Brazilian police “The combination of a severe drought and heatwaves has created an unprecedented stress on water levels in the entire EU,” European Innovation Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said in a statement. “We are currently noticing a wildfire season sensibly above the average and an important impact on crops production,” she added according to CNBC. The report stated that "47 per cent of Europe is under warning conditions and 17 per cent in a state of alert”. It also claimed that if the trend continues, this can be one of the worst droughts in history. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Europe facing worst drought in almost 500 years, new report claims

A severe drought in Texas that dried up a river has uncovered dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, southwest of Dallas, officials have said.

Officials said that the Paluxy River that runs through the park dried up in several areas exposing the tracks. It is usually underwater and commonly filled with sediment, rendering them invisible when the river is full of water.

“Due to the excessive drought conditions this past summer, the river dried up completely in most locations, allowing for more tracks to be uncovered here in the park," Stephanie Salinas Garcia of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told AFP, adding that dry weather has made the tracks visible.

"Under normal river conditions, these newer tracks are underwater and are commonly filled in with sediment, making them buried and not as visible," she added.

According to reports, the tracks were made by Acrocanthosaurus, which weighed nearly seven tons (6,350 kilograms) as an adult and stood 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall. And another dinosaur, Sauroposeidon, which measured 60 feet tall and weighed 44 tons in adulthood.

The park was once on the edge of an ancient ocean, and dinosaurs left footprints in the mud, according to its website.

However, the exciting discovery is not expected to last long as the rain is in the forecast. Therefore, the recently discovered tracks will be covered underwater once more.

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"While they will soon be buried again by the rain and the river, Dinosaur Valley State Park will continue to protect these 113-million-year-old tracks not only for present but future generations," she said.

According to the US Drought Monitor, over 60 per cent of Texas was experiencing drought last week.

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Recently, the state also experienced&nbsp;heat waves, pushing temperatures into the triple digits and leaving millions sweltering under excessive heat alerts.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A severe drought in Texas that dried up a river has uncovered dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, southwest of Dallas, officials have said.

A severe drought in Texas that dried up a river has uncovered dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, southwest of Dallas, officials have said. Officials said that the Paluxy River that runs through the park dried up in several areas exposing the tracks. It is usually underwater and commonly filled with sediment, rendering them invisible when the river is full of water. “Due to the excessive drought conditions this past summer, the river dried up completely in most locations, allowing for more tracks to be uncovered here in the park," Stephanie Salinas Garcia of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told AFP, adding that dry weather has made the tracks visible. "Under normal river conditions, these newer tracks are underwater and are commonly filled in with sediment, making them buried and not as visible," she added. According to reports, the tracks were made by Acrocanthosaurus, which weighed nearly seven tons (6,350 kilograms) as an adult and stood 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall. And another dinosaur, Sauroposeidon, which measured 60 feet tall and weighed 44 tons in adulthood. The park was once on the edge of an ancient ocean, and dinosaurs left footprints in the mud, according to its website. However, the exciting discovery is not expected to last long as the rain is in the forecast. Therefore, the recently discovered tracks will be covered underwater once more. Also read | Luxurious 1,200-year-old mansion with striking features unearthed in Israel "While they will soon be buried again by the rain and the river, Dinosaur Valley State Park will continue to protect these 113-million-year-old tracks not only for present but future generations," she said. According to the US Drought Monitor, over 60 per cent of Texas was experiencing drought last week. Also read | Listen in! NASA reshares the eerie and haunting sound of a black hole Recently, the state also experienced heat waves, pushing temperatures into the triple digits and leaving millions sweltering under excessive heat alerts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Severe drought uncovers 113-million-year-old dinosaur tracks at Texas park

The intensity and impact on duration of the summer season in China broke all records. Amid the long running heat wave, the country declared a nation wide drought alert last week. China's biggest lake Poyang has shrunk to 25% of normal size.

WION Climate Tracker | China's largest freshwater lake dries up; hydropower plants under grave threat

China's farmers are battling severe drought. As many as 66 rivers across 24 counties in Chongqing have dried up this year and rainfall is down 60 percent as compared to the seasonal norms.

WION Climate Tracker | China's farmers struggle to save crops as drought drags on

Residents living near a tributary of the Yangtze river have clambered along the dry river bed. The drying Yangtze river has revealed a trio of ancient Buddhist statues on a previously submerged Island.

WION Climate Tracker | China's drying Yangtze river reveals ancient Buddhist statues

Iraq's swamplands, they were once home to the biblical Garden of Eden and now the swamplands have been battered, hit by 3 years of drought and low rainfall. This comes as Iraq deals with a crippling water crisis, one that has turned lakes into pools of muddy water.

WION Climate Tracker | Drought threatens war-scarred Iraq's national security

In pics: Europe's drought reveals sunken ships and abandoned villages

China issued its first National drought alert of the year as the country battles with scorching temperatures and a heat wave across the basin of China's longest river, the Yangtze River basin.

WION Climate Tracker | Reports: 66 rivers dries up in China; dry spell to last till September

After heatwave, wildfires and drought, Europe has now been battered by powerful storms. France, Italy and Austria have been affected, at least 12 people have died. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: After heatwave, wildfires and drought, powerful storms now batter Europe

China has issued its first national drought alert of this year as the country battles scorching temperatures and a heat wave. China has also warned dry spell to last till September.

WION Climate Tracker: China battles scorching temperatures and heat wave

Unprecedented drought is afflicting most parts of Europe. 47% of the EU is under drought warning. Crops, power plants, industry and fish populations have been devastated.

WION Climate Tracker: Europe hit by worst drought in 500 years; rivers & reservoirs run dry

An Italian farm became an open-air morgue earlier this month after around 50 cows were poisoned by young sorghum plants, an accident experts blame on drought.

The Piedmontese cattle on the farm in Sommariva del Bosco, near Turin in northwest Italy, died suddenly due to acute prussic acid poisoning on August 6, according to the local IZS animal welfare body.

This acid comes from dhurrin, which is naturally present in young sorghum plants, although not in the same high concentrations as those found in samples taken at the site.

"We suspect that the drought caused this very large quantity of dhurrin within the sorghum plants," said Stefano Giantin, a vet at the&nbsp;Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale for northwest Italy, who is on the case.

With normal growing plants, the amount of dhurrin would lower as the plants grew larger. But since the ongoing drought has stunted the growth of sorghum plants, dhurrin has concentrated inside them.&nbsp;

Prussic acid poisoning in cattle is quick and brutal, with symptoms occurring 10-15 minutes after ingestion and death some 15-30 minutes later. It causes respiratory, nervous and muscular disorders.

Dhurrin naturally occurs in sorghum, particularly in young shoots that use it as a defence against herbivores, but when digested, releases prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide.

But "normally, it doesn't cause death", Giantin told AFP.

In the samples taken from Sommariva del Bosco, the concentration of dhurrin in the shoots was at an unusually high level, which Giantin said appeared to be the result of the drought that has hit Italy and much of Europe this summer.

A dose of more than 700 mg/kg of prussic acid is considered fatal for cattle, but the animals at Sommariva were found to have quantities of more than 900 mg/kg in their blood.

The only way of saving affected cows is to inject them with sodium thiosulfate, to neutralise the hyrogen cyanide.

With this, experts were able to save around 30 cows on August 11, when three more farms in Piedmont were hit by the same phenomenon — though not before 14 died.

An Italian farm became an open-air morgue earlier this month after around 50 cows were poisoned by young sorghum plants, an accident experts blame on drought. The Piedmontese cattle on the farm in Sommariva del Bosco, near Turin in northwest Italy, died suddenly due to acute prussic acid poisoning on August 6, according to the local IZS animal welfare body.

An Italian farm became an open-air morgue earlier this month after around 50 cows were poisoned by young sorghum plants, an accident experts blame on drought. The Piedmontese cattle on the farm in Sommariva del Bosco, near Turin in northwest Italy, died suddenly due to acute prussic acid poisoning on August 6, according to the local IZS animal welfare body. This acid comes from dhurrin, which is naturally present in young sorghum plants, although not in the same high concentrations as those found in samples taken at the site. "We suspect that the drought caused this very large quantity of dhurrin within the sorghum plants," said Stefano Giantin, a vet at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale for northwest Italy, who is on the case. With normal growing plants, the amount of dhurrin would lower as the plants grew larger. But since the ongoing drought has stunted the growth of sorghum plants, dhurrin has concentrated inside them. Prussic acid poisoning in cattle is quick and brutal, with symptoms occurring 10-15 minutes after ingestion and death some 15-30 minutes later. It causes respiratory, nervous and muscular disorders. Dhurrin naturally occurs in sorghum, particularly in young shoots that use it as a defence against herbivores, but when digested, releases prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide. But "normally, it doesn't cause death", Giantin told AFP. In the samples taken from Sommariva del Bosco, the concentration of dhurrin in the shoots was at an unusually high level, which Giantin said appeared to be the result of the drought that has hit Italy and much of Europe this summer. A dose of more than 700 mg/kg of prussic acid is considered fatal for cattle, but the animals at Sommariva were found to have quantities of more than 900 mg/kg in their blood. The only way of saving affected cows is to inject them with sodium thiosulfate, to neutralise the hyrogen cyanide. With this, experts were able to save around 30 cows on August 11, when three more farms in Piedmont were hit by the same phenomenon — though not before 14 died.

Drought blamed for dozens of cow poisoning deaths in Italy

The U.S. has been hit by severe drought and heatwave. The situation is so dire, that in some states farmers are destroying their own crops. In Las Vegas, authorities have banned lawns because they consume too much water. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Extreme weather: Farmers destroy their own crops in America

A total of eight areas of England are officially under drought despite the downpour this week. Rivers are at dangerously low water levels and the fish has been relocated to rivers with more water.

WION Climate Tracker: Drought conditions in UK leave rivers dry; activists step up rescue plan

The Netherlands is struggling with droughts at the moment, this summer is among the driest ones since 1901. Meanwhile, a group of volunteers is trying to save fish from drying up rivers.

WION Climate Tracker: Dutch govt feeds fresh water into drought-hit Rhine river

China's rivers & reservoirs depleted due to extreme heat and drought led to water crisis. As per report, 11,000 people are facing water crisis & over 141,000 hectares of crops have been damaged due to drought.

WION Climate Tracker: China experiences record heat wave | Drought leads to water crisis

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION| Europe's historic drought uncovers centuries old macabre warnings

With the natural cycle of drought exacerbated by human-caused climate change and more than two decades of precipitation that was much below average, the Colorado River, the lifeblood of the western United States, is at catastrophic levels.

According to Washington officials, water supplies to some US states and Mexico would be reduced in order to prevent the "catastrophic collapse" of the Colorado River as a result of the ongoing drought.

The federal government announced on Tuesday that it was stepping in because the states that depend on the river have been unable to come to an agreement on a plan to reduce their usage despite years of warnings and a deadline set by Washington.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | England: Water levels in reservoirs at 25-year low

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In 2023, Arizona's river allocation will decrease by 21 per cent while Nevada's would decrease by 8 per cent. Mexico's allotment will decrease by 7 per cent.

However, California, the most populous of the western states and the state that uses the most river water, will have no cuts in the coming year.

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Officials in upstream states blasted the settlement on Tuesday, saying it was unfair because California was spared from any reduction.

Tom Buschatzke, director of the state's Department of Water Resources, and Ted Cooke, general manager of the Central Arizona Project, issued a joint statement that read, "It is unacceptable for Arizona to continue to carry a disproportionate burden of reductions for the benefit of others who have not contributed."

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The western United States is in the midst of a 23-year drought, the worst in more than 1,000 years.&nbsp;Large areas of the country are now dry and more susceptible to hotter, quicker, and more catastrophic wildfires as a result of the drought.

Water use in the Basin must be decreased, according to Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary for water and science at the US Interior Department, in order to prevent a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado River System and an uncertain and violent future.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With the natural cycle of drought exacerbated by human-caused climate change and more than two decades of precipitation that was much below average, the Colorado River, the lifeblood of the western United States, is at catastrophic levels.

With the natural cycle of drought exacerbated by human-caused climate change and more than two decades of precipitation that was much below average, the Colorado River, the lifeblood of the western United States, is at catastrophic levels. According to Washington officials, water supplies to some US states and Mexico would be reduced in order to prevent the "catastrophic collapse" of the Colorado River as a result of the ongoing drought. The federal government announced on Tuesday that it was stepping in because the states that depend on the river have been unable to come to an agreement on a plan to reduce their usage despite years of warnings and a deadline set by Washington. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | England: Water levels in reservoirs at 25-year low In 2023, Arizona's river allocation will decrease by 21 per cent while Nevada's would decrease by 8 per cent. Mexico's allotment will decrease by 7 per cent. However, California, the most populous of the western states and the state that uses the most river water, will have no cuts in the coming year. Also read | US could witness ‘extreme heat’ by 2053: Report Officials in upstream states blasted the settlement on Tuesday, saying it was unfair because California was spared from any reduction. Tom Buschatzke, director of the state's Department of Water Resources, and Ted Cooke, general manager of the Central Arizona Project, issued a joint statement that read, "It is unacceptable for Arizona to continue to carry a disproportionate burden of reductions for the benefit of others who have not contributed." Also read | Raging wildfires might push Europe towards record-breaking destruction, says experts The western United States is in the midst of a 23-year drought, the worst in more than 1,000 years. Large areas of the country are now dry and more susceptible to hotter, quicker, and more catastrophic wildfires as a result of the drought. Water use in the Basin must be decreased, according to Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary for water and science at the US Interior Department, in order to prevent a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado River System and an uncertain and violent future. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid drought conditions, US to cut water supplies for some states, Mexico; California remains unaffected

Trending on WION: Europe's historic drought uncovers centuries old macabre warnings

China is grappling with extreme weather. Northern China is being battered by floods while Southern China is facing a heat wave. The heat is causing China to reel under the effects of a drought.

Several Chinese cities see highest temperatures ever recorded

As water levels across Europe's major rivers drop to dangerous levels with the region suffering a historic drought, centuries-old warnings of hardship have emerged in what could be a harbinger of hard times ahead.

These macabre warnings come in the form of boulders, inscribed with stories of past tragedies and predictions of future ones. The boulders are called "Hungersteine" or "Hunger stones".

As per NPR, hunger stones were used as "hydrological landmarks" across central Europe.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | NASA Satellite captures Britain turning brown due to drought

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The Elbe River, which flows from the Czech mountain range through Germany to the North Sea, has one of these stones. It is from a drought in 1616 and is once more visible in the dried-up riverbed.

The lines "Wenn du mich siehst, dann weine" are engraved into it. The lines can be translated to "If you see me, weep."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-drought-conditions-us-to-cut-water-supplies-for-some-states-mexico-california-remains-unaffected-507588" hreflang="en">Amid drought conditions, US to cut water supplies for some states, Mexico; California remains unaffected</a>

As per a 2013 study titled 'Droughts in the Czech Lands, 1090–2012 AD', these stones are "chiselled with the years of hardship and the initials of authors lost to history"

“The basic inscriptions warn of the consequences of drought. It expressed that drought had brought a bad harvest, lack of food, high prices and hunger for poor people,” said the researchers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raging-wildfires-might-push-europe-towards-record-breaking-destruction-says-experts-507356" hreflang="en">Raging wildfires might push Europe towards record-breaking destruction, says experts</a>

Europe's current drought is undoubtedly historic. Sky News reports that according to researchers at the European Drought Observatory, it is expected to be the worst in 500 years.

The drought observatory reports that 47 per cent of Europe is experiencing drought alert conditions while another 17 per cent of the area is under alert. The dry weather is even having an impact on the local vegetation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As water levels across Europe's major rivers drop to dangerous levels with the region suffering a historic drought, centuries-old warnings of hardship have emerged in what could be a harbinger of hard times ahead.

As water levels across Europe's major rivers drop to dangerous levels with the region suffering a historic drought, centuries-old warnings of hardship have emerged in what could be a harbinger of hard times ahead. These macabre warnings come in the form of boulders, inscribed with stories of past tragedies and predictions of future ones. The boulders are called "Hungersteine" or "Hunger stones". As per NPR, hunger stones were used as "hydrological landmarks" across central Europe. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | NASA Satellite captures Britain turning brown due to drought The Elbe River, which flows from the Czech mountain range through Germany to the North Sea, has one of these stones. It is from a drought in 1616 and is once more visible in the dried-up riverbed. The lines "Wenn du mich siehst, dann weine" are engraved into it. The lines can be translated to "If you see me, weep." Also read | Amid drought conditions, US to cut water supplies for some states, Mexico; California remains unaffected As per a 2013 study titled 'Droughts in the Czech Lands, 1090–2012 AD', these stones are "chiselled with the years of hardship and the initials of authors lost to history" “The basic inscriptions warn of the consequences of drought. It expressed that drought had brought a bad harvest, lack of food, high prices and hunger for poor people,” said the researchers. Also read | Raging wildfires might push Europe towards record-breaking destruction, says experts Europe's current drought is undoubtedly historic. Sky News reports that according to researchers at the European Drought Observatory, it is expected to be the worst in 500 years. The drought observatory reports that 47 per cent of Europe is experiencing drought alert conditions while another 17 per cent of the area is under alert. The dry weather is even having an impact on the local vegetation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'If you see me, weep': Europe's histsoric drought uncovers centuries-old macabre warnings

Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader candidate, Rishi Sunak came under fire for spending over $4,80,000 (£400,000) on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drought-hit-uk-faces-danger-of-flash-floods-following-thunderstorm-warning-507046">UK</a>&nbsp;residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living.

Social media users shared images of the&nbsp;million dollar&nbsp;property that revealed a mini recreational facility under development.

The approval for the construction of a new stone building on a paddock with a gym, a 12-by-5-meter swimming pool, storage rooms, four showers, and other amenities was given to Rishi Sunak and his family in August.

According to the Independent, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty spend their weekends at the Grade II-listed 19th-century former vicarage in his Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire. Additionally, they requested permission to develop a wildlife refuge and a tennis court outdoors on the adjacent countryside.

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Akshata Murty, wife of Rishi Sunak walking up to the journalists waiting outside their home and serving them tea and biscuits. Photo credits: AP&nbsp;&nbsp;

The structures are nearly finished, as evidenced by the photographs going around on social media. The Independent reported that the project's overall cost may be significantly higher than 40 million USD.

The new structure will be 81 metres away from the main home and include a ballet bar for his girls, a hot tub, and a seating space in addition to the tennis fields and swimming pools.

The story may influence Tory voters because they may believe Sunak and his family have not been impacted by the squeeze on living standards. During the election, foreign secretary and rival Liz Truss might use it against him.

Last week, the former chancellor of the exchequer pledged to assist retirees and reduce VAT on energy bills, but it is likely that he will be required to spend an estimated 10 million USD a year to heat the new pool.

The UK's citizens are likewise ready to deal with a water deficit brought on by the heatwaves.

Rishi Sunak and his wife&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-rishi-sunaks-wife-akshata-murthy-being-criticised-for-serving-tea-to-journalists-495856">Akshata Murty</a> have received criticism for their way of living before. Murty has previously come under fire for using pricey china to serve tea to reporters outside Sunak's office. She came under fire for failing to pay taxes on her earnings from abroad.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK to become prime wine growing region as temperature rises

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Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader candidate, Rishi Sunak came under fire for spending over $4,80,000 (£400,000) on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as UK residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living.

Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader candidate, Rishi Sunak came under fire for spending over $4,80,000 (£400,000) on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as UK residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living. Social media users shared images of the million dollar property that revealed a mini recreational facility under development. The approval for the construction of a new stone building on a paddock with a gym, a 12-by-5-meter swimming pool, storage rooms, four showers, and other amenities was given to Rishi Sunak and his family in August. According to the Independent, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty spend their weekends at the Grade II-listed 19th-century former vicarage in his Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire. Additionally, they requested permission to develop a wildlife refuge and a tennis court outdoors on the adjacent countryside. Akshata Murty, wife of Rishi Sunak walking up to the journalists waiting outside their home and serving them tea and biscuits. Photo credits: AP The structures are nearly finished, as evidenced by the photographs going around on social media. The Independent reported that the project's overall cost may be significantly higher than 40 million USD. The new structure will be 81 metres away from the main home and include a ballet bar for his girls, a hot tub, and a seating space in addition to the tennis fields and swimming pools. The story may influence Tory voters because they may believe Sunak and his family have not been impacted by the squeeze on living standards. During the election, foreign secretary and rival Liz Truss might use it against him. Last week, the former chancellor of the exchequer pledged to assist retirees and reduce VAT on energy bills, but it is likely that he will be required to spend an estimated 10 million USD a year to heat the new pool. The UK's citizens are likewise ready to deal with a water deficit brought on by the heatwaves. Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have received criticism for their way of living before. Murty has previously come under fire for using pricey china to serve tea to reporters outside Sunak's office. She came under fire for failing to pay taxes on her earnings from abroad. Also watch | UK to become prime wine growing region as temperature rises

UK: Rishi Sunak's opulent private pool amid rising cost of living sparks row

A huge drought is sweeping across Europe leaving many countries witnessing their driest ever period on record. In Hungary, the river levels have dropped, water supplies are threatened, farmers are worried they don't have enough green pasture to feed their animals.

WION Climate Tracker | Extreme heat leaves Hungary's lake Velence completely dry

The United Kingdom is in the grip of a record heat wave and drought. Now, the NASA has released satellite images showing Britain's landscape turning brown from green due to drought. The wars are not over for the UK as it is bracing for several days of thunderstorms.

WION Climate Tracker | NASA Satellite captures Britain turning brown due to drought

Europe is suffering from prolonged drought and as per experts drought could become continent's worst in 500 years. Major rivers are drying up in Europe.

WION Climate Tracker: Europe suffers from prolonged drought, major rivers drying up

California, which accounts for a quarter of the world’s tomato output, is facing its worst crisis. Lack of adequate rainfall is forcing farmers to brace for a water crisis that’s undermining the crop cultivation.

As a result, the low production is having an impact on the prices of tomato-based products.

According to Bloomeberg, gains in tomato sauce and ketchup are overtaking the rise in US food inflation, which is at its highest in 43 years.

With weather agencies predicting hotter and drier conditions in the upcoming months, the outlook for farmers remains uncertain.

“We desperately need rain. We are getting to a point where we don’t have inventory left to keep fulfilling the market demand,” Mike Montna, head of the California Tomato Growers Association, was quoted as saying.

Moreover, the authorities have limited groundwater usage, and rising labour costs, fuel and fertilizer are making it difficult for producers to grow tomatoes.

“It’s real tough to grow a tomato crop right now,” Montna said.&nbsp;“On one side you have the drought impacting costs because you don’t have enough water to grow all your acres, and then you have the farm inflation side of it with fuel and fertilizer costs shooting up.”&nbsp;

Rick Blankenship, vice president of farming operations, Woolf Farming, said it now takes $4,800 an acre to grow and harvest a tomato crop compared with $2,800 a decade ago. Much of the rise has been witnessed in the last two years.

Data by the US Department of Agriculture indicated that the crop has been&nbsp;below the recent production peak of 14.4 million tons in 2015 for the past six years, and 2022 is continuing with the trend.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-predicts-super-rare-megflood-striking-california-in-coming-decades-506510" hreflang="en">Study predicts super rare megflood striking California in coming decades</a>

“Despite low supply and a substantial increase in price, contracted production has dropped significantly compared to the beginning of 2022,” it said in its May report, while noting that water availability is the main issue facing producers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-stories-limit-purchase-as-people-empty-shelves-of-bottled-water-amid-drought-506423" hreflang="en">UK stores limit purchase of bottled water as people empty shelves amid drought</a>

The industry expects this year’s harvest to fall below the USDA’s&nbsp;11.7 million tons estimate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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California, which accounts for a quarter of the world’s tomato output, is facing its worst crisis. Lack of adequate rainfall is forcing farmers to brace for a water crisis that’s undermining the crop cultivation.

California, which accounts for a quarter of the world’s tomato output, is facing its worst crisis. Lack of adequate rainfall is forcing farmers to brace for a water crisis that’s undermining the crop cultivation. As a result, the low production is having an impact on the prices of tomato-based products. According to Bloomeberg, gains in tomato sauce and ketchup are overtaking the rise in US food inflation, which is at its highest in 43 years. With weather agencies predicting hotter and drier conditions in the upcoming months, the outlook for farmers remains uncertain. “We desperately need rain. We are getting to a point where we don’t have inventory left to keep fulfilling the market demand,” Mike Montna, head of the California Tomato Growers Association, was quoted as saying. Moreover, the authorities have limited groundwater usage, and rising labour costs, fuel and fertilizer are making it difficult for producers to grow tomatoes. “It’s real tough to grow a tomato crop right now,” Montna said. “On one side you have the drought impacting costs because you don’t have enough water to grow all your acres, and then you have the farm inflation side of it with fuel and fertilizer costs shooting up.” Rick Blankenship, vice president of farming operations, Woolf Farming, said it now takes $4,800 an acre to grow and harvest a tomato crop compared with $2,800 a decade ago. Much of the rise has been witnessed in the last two years. Data by the US Department of Agriculture indicated that the crop has been below the recent production peak of 14.4 million tons in 2015 for the past six years, and 2022 is continuing with the trend. Also read | Study predicts super rare megflood striking California in coming decades “Despite low supply and a substantial increase in price, contracted production has dropped significantly compared to the beginning of 2022,” it said in its May report, while noting that water availability is the main issue facing producers. Also read | UK stores limit purchase of bottled water as people empty shelves amid drought The industry expects this year’s harvest to fall below the USDA’s 11.7 million tons estimate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies  

Europe is dealing with a historic drought and almost all of France is now under some level of water restrictions. Water bans are hitting businesses and citizens alike but golf courses in the country are staying green.

Europe: Golf courses stay green amid France drought, owners allowed to water

The United Kingdom has declared a drought in parts of England. Drought poses a risk of crop failure in the UK. An extreme heat alert was also issued in England and Wales.

The UK declares drought in parts of England; Drought poses a risk of crop failure in the UK

The water level in the Rhine River, a key shipping route in Germany and Europe, has fallen to a record low due to the ongoing drought, causing huge disruption to the shipping industry with some vessels unable to sail.

A lack of rain combined with an unrelenting heatwave has led to "exceptionally low" water in some areas of Germany’s most important inland waterway.

Officials have warned that the crisis would further compound in the upcoming days with the water level in the Kaub, a common reference point in the Rhine, predicted to drop as low as 35 centimetres on August 15, according to estimates by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration on Friday.

Most barges require water levels above 40 cm to travel.

On Friday, container logistics service company Contargo said that it would discontinue its barge operations on the Middle and upper Rhine river, transporting what goods it could overground to its terminals on the Lower Rhine, reports Reuters news agency.

"Due to the difficult situation we regretfully have to point out that we can no longer guarantee to meet all deadlines," it said in a statement.

The Deutsche Bank economists said the situation is reminiscent of 2018 when a similar problem with the river led to a "standstill of freight shipping" and reduced German economic growth by an estimated 0.2 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-stories-limit-purchase-as-people-empty-shelves-of-bottled-water-amid-drought-506423" hreflang="en">UK stores limit purchase as people empty shelves of bottled water amid drought</a>

The experts now estimate that Rhine disruption this year could plunge the GDP level by half a percentage point.

Credit rating agency Moody's said that the Rhine situation will increase costs for chemicals companies, especially those with production facilities on the upper Rhine, and could lead to production cuts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-heatwave-uk-declares-drought-across-eight-areas-of-england-506260">Amid heatwave, UK declares drought across eight areas of England</a>

"I think it's more dangerous this time because the supply situation is tight anyway and the coal-fired power plants in particular, which are extremely important for generating electricity, are likely to be hit harder,” Jens-Oliver Niklasch, an economist at LBBW (Landesbank Baden-Württemberg), told Reuters news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The water level in the Rhine River, a key shipping route in Germany and Europe, has fallen to a record low due to the ongoing drought, causing huge disruption to the shipping industry with some vessels unable to sail.

The water level in the Rhine River, a key shipping route in Germany and Europe, has fallen to a record low due to the ongoing drought, causing huge disruption to the shipping industry with some vessels unable to sail. A lack of rain combined with an unrelenting heatwave has led to "exceptionally low" water in some areas of Germany’s most important inland waterway. Officials have warned that the crisis would further compound in the upcoming days with the water level in the Kaub, a common reference point in the Rhine, predicted to drop as low as 35 centimetres on August 15, according to estimates by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration on Friday. Most barges require water levels above 40 cm to travel. On Friday, container logistics service company Contargo said that it would discontinue its barge operations on the Middle and upper Rhine river, transporting what goods it could overground to its terminals on the Lower Rhine, reports Reuters news agency. "Due to the difficult situation we regretfully have to point out that we can no longer guarantee to meet all deadlines," it said in a statement. The Deutsche Bank economists said the situation is reminiscent of 2018 when a similar problem with the river led to a "standstill of freight shipping" and reduced German economic growth by an estimated 0.2 per cent. Also read | UK stores limit purchase as people empty shelves of bottled water amid drought The experts now estimate that Rhine disruption this year could plunge the GDP level by half a percentage point. Credit rating agency Moody's said that the Rhine situation will increase costs for chemicals companies, especially those with production facilities on the upper Rhine, and could lead to production cuts. Also read | Amid heatwave, UK declares drought across eight areas of England "I think it's more dangerous this time because the supply situation is tight anyway and the coal-fired power plants in particular, which are extremely important for generating electricity, are likely to be hit harder,” Jens-Oliver Niklasch, an economist at LBBW (Landesbank Baden-Württemberg), told Reuters news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Germany’s Rhine River water level falls to new lows, threatens to disrupt shipping industry

Europe reels under a scorching summer and one of the continent's major rivers is getting drier with each passing day. Water levels of the Rhine River has fallen dangerously low due to a prolonged drought in Germany which has become a major cause of concern for the people and businesses that depend on it.

Germany: Rhine river water level falls to new low, drops below 40 centimetre threshold

France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands are facing water shortages. Riverbeds are drying out across Europe and drought is devastating European landscapes.

WION Climate Tracker: Riverbeds are drying out across Europe

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