Dry weather boosts Irish grazing but deepens drought risk in Europe

Dry weather in much of Central and Eastern Europe has increased the likelihood of a drought year, and the risk to the grain and crops harvest

Soil moisture deficits are exceptionally high compared to average conditions for the time of year in large parts of Eastern Europe. Picture: Valentine Chapuis / AFP via Getty Images

The lengthy recent period of dry and settled weather was welcomed by Irish farmers for getting the grazing season under way and for sowing crops.

In contrast, dry weather was the last thing needed by much of Central and Eastern Europe, where lack of soil moisture has increased the likelihood of a drought year, and the risk to the grain and crops harvest.