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
Split image showing an alpine winter landscape and a European weather map with snow and rain areas.
Monday 1 December 2025

Winter begins today

Wintry weather only in a few places
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
Split image showing a night-time waterfall beneath sweeping star trails on the left, and a bright double rainbow over a calm lakeside with mountains, pier, and mist on the right.
Sunday 30 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

From rainbow light to starlight
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split weather map showing the UK and Ireland. The left side illustrates strong winds circulating around a low-pressure system, with gusts of 20–30 mph highlighted in orange and yellow. The right side shows radar imagery with widespread blue rain bands and patches of thunderstorms, especially over northern England and Scotland.
Thursday 28 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Remaining widely unsettled
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
Wednesday 27 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Frontal system brings heavy rain
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

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList