Widespread water deficits may persist in much of Continental Europe as seen in the 12-month map (below), while surpluses may continue in Ireland, Scotland, and northern Sweden. The map is based on observed data through September 2015 and forecasts issued the last week of September 2015.

Hail, high temperatures, and lack of rain are expected to reduce hops production in Germany by 27 percent. In general yield forecasts are low for summer crops in the EU, but particularly in central European regions. In Poland, concern mounted over the possibility of blackouts as water levels in lakes and rivers decreased. Drought-related crop losses were also reported in Poland where raspberry prices have doubled in the EU's major producer. Low levels on the Rhine River continue to be reflected in higher freight rates in the Basel-Rotterdam area.

Though deficits are expected to persist in much of Europe for the next few months, they may diminish and transition to moderate surpluses, as seen in the 3-month composites (below) in Central Europe, particularly Germany, January through June 2016.

In contrast, moderate water deficits are expected to persist in the following areas: Mediterranean Spain, Italy, the Balkan Peninsula, and Finland. (It should be noted that forecast skill declines with longer lead times.)