Rain eases severe soil drought in South Moravia, Czech Republic

June rains have partially relieved the severe soil drought affecting South Moravia, where the top 40 cm of soil shows improved moisture while deeper layers remain dry. The InterSucho project of the Institute of Global Change Research (CzechGlobe) reported that the worst drought levels, previously classified as extreme, were observed on only a few percent of the territory.

Forecasts predict the heaviest rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, with 10–40 mm expected in localized thunderstorms. Despite the recent precipitation, the deeper soil profile remains arid, and water deficits are also evident in river flows and groundwater reserves.

Agricultural impacts are significant: some farmers anticipate crop yield losses exceeding 40 %, and certain damage to field crops is already irreversible. Livestock breeders face pasture shortages due to insufficient grass growth. Authorities have already issued water-use restrictions in some regions.