Western Thrace, especially Meriç, struggles with severe drought

Western Thrace, particularly the Meriç region, is facing severe drought conditions as a result of low rainfall during winter and spring combined with high summer temperatures. Certain areas within the Municipality of Alexandroupoli are now under intense drought, according to the Meteo team of the National Observatory of Athens.

Drought Across Greece

Across Greece, drought is affecting nearly all regions except parts of Macedonia, Thessaly, and Central Greece. Severe or extreme drought levels (4 and 5) are recorded in Crete, the Peloponnese, Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and Midilli (Lesbos).

Other areas impacted include Athens, Eğriboz (Evia), Western Central Greece, Epirus, and several island regions. Soil moisture levels remain far below seasonal norms, with last month’s rainfall below average, exacerbating already dry conditions.

Critical Situation in Meriç

According to the Greek newspaper I Gnomi, parts of the Municipality of Dedeğaç in Meriç are experiencing severe drought. The central area is classified as “significant drought,” while the northern part is at “moderate drought” levels.

This year’s drought continues the trend seen in 2023 and 2024. At the end of last year, the Greek Farmers’ Union (GEOTEE) reported dramatically low annual rainfall. Over the past 50 years, Thrace’s average annual rainfall ranged from 450–650 mm, whereas in 2024, it fell to 250–490 mm, a 25–45% deficit similar to 2023.

Southern Meriç farmers and livestock breeders are particularly affected by the drying of the Meriç River, which has also impacted wild horse populations.

How Drought Is Measured

According to Meteo, drought levels are assessed based on soil moisture between 28 and 100 cm below the surface—a critical layer for agricultural productivity. The evaluation considers rainfall, evaporation, and water retention in soil to gauge long-term drought stress.

Drought levels are classified on a scale from 1 to 5:

Mild drought

Moderate drought

Significant drought

Severe drought

Extreme drought

This classification is relative to regional conditions; even if soil is not completely dry, moisture levels below seasonal norms can qualify as extreme drought.