The Western Balkan region is grappling with a significant drought exacerbated by a persistent heatwave originating from an African anticyclone. This climatic shift has severely disrupted daily life, primarily affecting agriculture and electricity supply across the region. On a particularly hot day in central Albania, temperatures soared to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius, prompting meteorologists to predict a lack of rain until September. Rivers and streams in Albania have dwindled to almost dry conditions, a consequence of low rainfall during the colder months. In response to ongoing agricultural woes, Albanian authorities have initiated irrigation projects, including the recent diversion of water from the northern Mat river to irrigate local farmland to alleviate the water scarcity.
The impact of this drought extends beyond agriculture, severely hindering Albania’s power production, which predominantly relies on hydropower stations situated in the northern part of the country. The dire water levels have forced the national power corporation to spend approximately €60 million on energy imports in the first half of the year due to insufficient local production. Meanwhile, Serbia’s state meteorological institute has echoed similar concerns, highlighting an “extreme drought” impacting the nation’s crops, leading to dwindling water levels in various rivers and lakes. Small towns and rural communities are also feeling the brunt of this crisis, with many experiencing restrictions on drinking water supplies.
In Kosovo, the water shortage has led to the closure of the Gërmia swimming pool in the capital, Pristina, which traditionally offers a respite from the summer heat. This open-air pool, one of the largest in Europe built in the late 1980s, typically attracts between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors daily during the summer. However, the pool’s management has become unable to secure the requisite 20,000 cubic meters of water for proper operation this year, marking a stark contrast to previous summers when it took only a week to fill. Manager Bardh Krasniqi noted that the current water scarcity means it would take over three weeks to fill the pool this summer.
As temperatures are predicted to continue climbing, the Health Institute has responded by urging citizens to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, particularly advising vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with ongoing health issues to remain indoors. The ongoing heatwave in Europe has seen alarming temperature spikes, with Portugal’s Mora recording an astonishing 46.6 degrees Celsius, a situation that further amplifies the urgency of addressing water supply issues and health risks associated with extreme heat.
These adverse weather conditions are also likely to contribute to the increasing prevalence of wildfires across the region. As the summer progresses, the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation creates optimal conditions for fires to ignite, posing additional threats to both the environment and local communities. Authorities are ramping up efforts to monitor these risks while also seeking to support those affected by the dual crises of drought and heat.
The overall situation in the Western Balkans serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of climate change, resource management, and public health. The prolonged drought has far-reaching implications that demand urgent and coordinated responses from governments and local authorities in the region to mitigate impacts on agriculture and energy security, while ensuring the safety and well-being of their populations in an increasingly volatile climate. Continued investment in sustainable water management and energy solutions will be critical in navigating the challenges posed by such extreme weather events in the future.
