Home / Editor's Pick /

World Water Day: World drought concerns remain in 2023

06:00
22 March 2023

World Water Day
World drought concerns remain in 2023

Parked grass parkThe wilted, golden grass of Greenwich Park, London seen during last year's summer heatwave and drought. - © picture alliance

On this year's World Water Day we're taking a look back at the impact dwindling water supplies is already having on the world in 2023.

After experiencing hosepipe bans and other restrictions last summer in the UK and Ireland we are starting to feel the impact of warmer weather conditions and how it affects water supplies.

Across Europe drought remains a concern particularly in the Iberian peninsula. Underpinning this worry is news that groundwater reserves are running low across the continent.

Europe's groundwater is drying outread more

Receding water levels at Italy's Lake Garda earlier this year revealed a long submerged path to one of the lake's islands, quickly becoming a tourist destination.

Italian drought reveals Lake Garda pathread more

Looking elsewhere, the Horn of Africa officially entered its most severe drought for 70 years in February following five consecutive failed rainy seasons.

Horn of Africa's extreme droughtread more

Back in the UK and Ireland, not all reservoirs and lakes have been able to rebound to sufficient levels ahead of this summer and we are likely to see another season of restrictions ahead with fresh drought declarations possible.

Clean water is a necessity in our daily lives, and this World Water Day offers the chance for leading figures to strategise on how to protect this into the future.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Weather map showing a thunderstorm cell and lightning over the east coast of Queensland.
Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Severe thunderstorms

Huge hailstorm hits eastern Australia
Temperature map showing maximum values at the beginning of next week and wind radar showing a storm system over the Atlantic that is directing mild air towards Europe
Thursday, 4 December 2025

Gusty in the UK & Ireland

Storms will soon bring spring air
A split image showing a close-up of a full moon on the left, and on the right a UK and Ireland weather map with blue and white patches indicating widespread rain or cloud. Several moon and cloud icons appear over different regions, with temperatures marked mostly between 4°C and 8°C.
Thursday, 4 December 2025

Cold Moon rises tonight

Third and final supermoon of the year
All weather news
This might also interest you
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
Split weather map showing UK wind speeds in orange-red shades up to 40 mph on the left and warning levels in green-yellow on the right, with a central wind warning sign.
Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Warnings active

Storm Benjamin impacts the UK
Friday, 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList