The situation stems from a rainfall deficit observed since March. Over the period from March to October, the decline reached 37% less rain. This climate situation weighs directly on the agricultural world. For farmers, it takes 20% less water volume to irrigate their crops.
The rains of recent days are not yet enough to begin recharging groundwater, while a 12% drop in rainfall was observed during the first half of October. Recharging should not occur for several weeks.
For example, the summer drought destroyed almost all of one farmer's cabbage production. Professionals thus suffer the consequences of several months of lack of water on their crops.
Water restrictions are maintained until the end of the year in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments due to the persistence of the drought. Despite recent precipitation, groundwater remains in deficit in this region.
For the general public, the prohibition measures also apply on a daily basis. The ban on washing your vehicle at home therefore constitutes a habit that will have to be maintained until the end of the year.
With 12% less rainfall observed in the first half of October, the precipitation of recent days is not yet enough to begin recharging the water tables.
“In Nord-Pas-de-Calais, we have been in deficit since March, so from March to October, we have 37% less rain.
For farmers, they have to deal with 20% less volume of water for irrigation.
Despite recent rains, groundwater tables remain in deficit in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais.
Water restrictions are therefore maintained until the end of the year, while farmers are already suffering the consequences of several months of drought on their crops.