Lack of rain in south west leads to worries over forest fire and drought

THE neighbouring département of Lot-et-Garonne has been placed on a high-risk of forest and vegetation fires due to the recent dry conditions.

It is a rare occurrence for April, but the region's fire personnel are on alert as the lack of rain, and high winds, has raised awareness of the potential risk.

Walking through the woods and along the paths around Loubejac today and the ground is very dry, with no sign of rain on the horizon and worries already being raised about the risks of drought this summer.

Environmental agencies in the south west of France have said that river levels are below their averages for this time of the year, with the Dordogne 30% down and the Vienne around 60% below the expected level.

Unless their is sustained rainfall over the next 30 to 45 days, some ares of the south west will experience a reduction in groundwater levels and face difficulties over the summer months.

Update July 2022: Lack of rain and warm temperatures are still causing concern with many local authorities advising people to take great care in the forests of France, with some completely off-limits due to the risk of fire.