July 2022 was one of the hottest months in Europe on record

August 9, MINSK. The European continent faced extreme heat and drought last month, TASS reports citing data from the European satellite and meteorological system Copernicus.

Thus, record temperatures were recorded in a number of European countries - Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, France, Great Britain, Germany and Switzerland. Significant damage due to drought caused Slovenia, Belgium, Poland, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Thus, Italy faced the threat of desertification of a quarter of the country's territory.

This summer, large fires broke out in Italy, Bulgaria, and France due to dry, hot weather. In these countries, tens of thousands of hectares of forest have been destroyed by fire.

The heat is causing significant damage to the agricultural industry. Because of the fires, crops are dying, and due to lack of water and feed, a decrease in MILK production is expected. "This summer, each cow will produce, on average, a thousand liters less than usual," the French Agricultural Union (FNSEA) said.

The drought also led to a decrease in the harvest of potatoes, wheat, rice, pumpkins, legumes, apples, SUGAR beets, etc. Thus, in the UK, they have already announced a possible shortage of vegetables and fruits.

In some European countries, the population is ordered to save water against the backdrop of drought. For example, in the southern regions of the UK, restrictions have been placed on the use of garden hoses.

In a number of cities in Spain, restrictions on the use of water have also been introduced. In particular, it is forbidden to use water for watering gardens, washing cars or filling swimming pools.