Impact Highlights: April 2025

24 April 2025

Each month, ISciences reports on significant weather events occurring throughout the world and analyze how accurately our Water Security Indicator Model (WSIM) predicted them. In the summaries below, we highlight the most severe global weather events on a monthly basis, and discuss the extent of their impact on the affected regions.

Europe: According to the European Drought Observatory, central and eastern Europe is experiencing an early and severe drought, threatening agriculture and food security. Affected countries include Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Greece, Sweden, and Ireland. Over half of Germany reports extreme topsoil drought, as well as drops in water levels of the Rhine River, which has disrupted cargo transport and raised logistical costs. Poland and Ukraine’s agricultural sectors are at high risk of grain crop failures, which could potentially destabilize the global grain market and raise food prices.

Russia: Regions in Siberia and Russia’s Far East are experiencing massive wildfires at the start of its 2025 wildfire season. More than 52 fires have been reported across over 41,000 hectares, with the worst instances occurring in the Zabaikalsky region, where a state of emergency has been declared. The fires, driven by an early spring, snow drought, and human activity, are being intensified as strong winds affect the area. Homes and infrastructure have already been damaged, with experts warning that destruction could potentially exceed past wildfire records.

Australia: Severe flooding hit western Queensland, submerging an area in Australia’s “cattle country” equivalent to the size of France. More than 100,000 livestock are missing, drowned, or presumed dead after rivers rose following unusually heavy rain. Entire herds were lost and some ranches reported a loss of nearly all cattle. Towns like Thargomindah were surrounded by water, prompting emergency food drops and flood protection efforts.

Africa: Morocco faces its worst drought in seven years as Eid al-Adha arrives, a major Islamic holiday centered on animal sacrifice. The drought has severely affected livestock health, with cattle numbers down 38%, while meat prices rise. As a result, many Moroccans struggle to afford the tradition. In response, King Mohammed VI recently exempted citizens from the obligation to sacrifice animals this year. Neighboring Algeria, also hit by drought, is importing sheep to manage the crisis.

United States: Regions across the South and Midwest saw devastating floods in early April, which killed at least 20 people. Rivers in Kentucky reached near-record highs on April 7th, which submerged neighborhoods and forced citizens of Frankfort and Falmouth to evacuate. Tennessee, Arkansas, and Indiana also saw destructive flooding which damaged infrastructure, shut down roads, and cut off water access for thousands.

United States: In Utah, the San Rafael River continues to dry up as droughts threaten local water levels and native fish species, such as the flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, and roundtail chub. These fish species have lost up to 85% of their historical range and are considered vital indicators of ecosystem health. Efforts to restore the region’s environmental health have started, but are stifled by limited funding, water rights laws, and the long-term effects of drought and climate change.