Thrace once again among regions facing drought conditions
Greece is “drying out” once again, as nearly the entire country is experiencing higher-than-normal drought conditions for this time of year, according to the Meteo Gr team of the National Observatory of Athens. The findings highlight significant drought across large parts of Crete, the Peloponnese, western Central Greece, and Thrace.
Key Findings:
Several regions in Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi, Arcadia, Argolida, Messinia, Ilia, and Lesvos are suffering from severe to extreme drought (levels 4 and 5).
The soil moisture levels—specifically in the 28–100 cm depth layer—are critically low. This layer is vital for the growth and productivity of many crops, as it reflects the cumulative effect of rainfall, evaporation, and water infiltration over time.
Methodology:
Drought conditions are assessed using the Soil Moisture Standardized Index (SSMI), based on data from the Copernicus Service of the European Union.
This index compares current soil moisture to historical norms (1991–2020) and classifies drought in five levels:
- Mild
- Moderate
- Significant
- Severe
- Extreme
Even if the soil doesn’t appear completely dry, a significantly low SSMI relative to a region’s seasonal norm can still indicate extreme drought.
Notes from Scientists:
While exact conditions may vary locally, especially due to the lack of ground-based observations, the models used (e.g., ERA5-Land) provide reliable large-scale estimates.
Regions where the SSMI is close to zero are considered to be under normal seasonal conditions, whereas a strongly positive SSMI indicates excess soil moisture.
Implications:
Thrace, once again, finds itself on the list of drought-affected regions. This trend could spell trouble for agricultural productivity, ecosystem balance, and water resource management in the coming months, especially if July and August continue with high temperatures and minimal rainfall.
