Topic
drought
Commodities Somerset cider apple crop decimated by drought, producers warn
Somerset's cider apple orchards have been 'decimated' by drought, with producers like Honey's Cider seeing only 10% of a normal crop. Neil MacDonald lost half his apples before ripening, and Rich's Cider will skip harvesting one orchard. Strong summer cider sales have emptied tanks, leaving makers unable to refill them for next year.
Logistics Rhine cut in two as European drought cripples inland shipping
The Rhine is on the verge of being effectively cut in two as the Kaub bottleneck drops to record low water, threatening to split Germany's inland navigation system. Drought is also draining the Danube to record lows and halting Dutch canal traffic, driving up barge freight rates and straining road and rail alternatives.
Logistics Panama Canal Cuts Neopanamax Draft to 47.5 Feet as El Niño Strengthens
The Panama Canal is cutting neopanamax draft to 48 feet on August 26 and 47.5 feet on September 3 as falling Gatun Lake levels and a strengthening El Niño revive memories of the 2023-2024 drought crisis. The Panama Canal Authority says the measures are precautionary and transit volumes remain unchanged.
Commodities English winemakers prosper as drought wilts vegetable farms
England's driest July in 190 years has left vegetable farmers counting heavy losses while winemakers report thriving vines. Wiltshire farmer Phil Collins lost 6,000 cauliflowers priced at £1.25 each, while Aldwick Estate winemaker Sandy Luck reports high-quality grapes and rising production.
Logistics Europe's Great Rivers Run Dry: Danube and Rhine Low Water Disrupts Commercial Shipping and Supply Chains
Exceptionally low water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers are disrupting commercial shipping, forcing barges to sail partially loaded, and increasing freight rates by over 50% on key routes. The drought is impacting grain exports from Romania, chemical transport in Germany, and nuclear power operations in France, with experts warning low-water disruptions may become more frequent.
Commodities Weak Monsoon May Intensify Water Stress, Threaten Kharif Sowing: NSE Report
A weak southwest monsoon could heighten water stress in India and threaten kharif sowing over the next fortnight, according to an NSE Market Pulse report. The report warns of a fresh supply-side shock and highlights rising temperatures and increased rainfall variability, even as a positive Indian Ocean Dipole may partly offset El Nino effects.
El Niño Dry Spell Slashes India's Hydropower Generation by 21%, Strains Power Grid
India's hydropower generation plunged 21% in June year-on-year, the steepest drop since February 2024, as El Niño caused monsoon rainfall 38% below normal. Reservoir levels fell to 25% of capacity, forcing increased reliance on coal and renewables to meet record electricity demand.
Commodities India Prepares District-Level Contingency Plans as Rainfall Deficit Reaches 40%
India is experiencing a 40% rainfall deficit, prompting the government to activate district-level contingency plans. Agriculture Commissioner PK Singh highlighted improved irrigation infrastructure since the 2015 El Niño and adequate rice and wheat reserves. Farmers may shift to pulses due to delayed monsoon, with imports possible if shortages arise.
Commodities El Nino and Weak Monsoon Pose Greater Threat to India Than US-Iran Conflict
India's weak monsoon, driven by El Nino, presents a more significant economic threat than the recent US-Iran conflict. Cumulative rainfall is 42% below normal, reservoir levels have dropped to 27.7% of capacity, and risks to inflation and rural incomes are mounting. Historical parallels with 2019 and 2023 offer some hope but uncertainty remains.
Commodities Storage in India’s 166 Major Reservoirs Drops to 27.5% of Capacity on Monsoon Deficit
Storage in India's 166 major reservoirs dropped to 27.5% of total capacity this week, driven by a deficient South-West Monsoon due to El Niño. Rainfall since the monsoon began is 48.5 mm versus a normal of 80.6 mm, a 40% deficit as of June 18. Central India, key for kharif production, recorded a 62% deficit, raising concerns for crop sowing.
Technology Many new AI data centers will be built on US drought-hit areas
A new report reveals that 517 out of 809 planned US data centers are located in drought-hit areas, raising questions over water and power supply. Only 4% of water demand is direct cooling, while 96% is indirect from power generation and semiconductor fabrication. Local opposition is growing, with Seattle banning new data centers for a year.
Commodities India Reservoir Storage Drops to 28% as Monsoon Deficits Widen, Threatening Agri
Data from the Central Water Commission shows storage in India's 166 major reservoirs has fallen to 28% of capacity, lower than a year ago. The India Meteorological Department reports deficient rainfall across two-thirds of the country since June 1, raising concerns for upcoming agricultural seasons.
Commodities India's Monsoon Shortfall Threatens Agricultural Output
India's monsoon is projected at 90% of the long-period average, marking the driest period in 11 years. This shortfall could significantly impact agricultural output.