Topic
drought
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.