The summer of 2025 is leaving a mark of unprecedented drought and heat in various regions of Spain., causing concern in both the agricultural sector and the population's daily lives. Water restrictions, high temperatures, and lack of rainfall have put entire communities that depend on increasingly scarce water resources at risk.
Areas such as the province of Alicante and the region of Asturias are currently experiencing one of the driest periods recorded in recent decades.The lack of rainfall and the political management of water have heightened tensions between territories, particularly impacting the countryside, industry, and tourism, sectors vital to the local economy.
Extreme situation for agriculture and supply
In Alicante, reservoir water levels have fallen to a worrying 25% of their capacity., leaving only 81 hm³ stored in the Segura basin. While other large river basins such as the Tagus, Ebro, and Duero show figures above 80%, the Segura basin barely exceeds 30%, consolidating its position as the most affected in the country. Farmers are already facing cuts of up to 35% in irrigation supplies., and the amount of water allocated from the Tajo-Segura transfer is drastically reduced, which endangers the immediate future of the Alicante countryside.
Political restrictions on the transfer and the tightening of ecological flows have triggered a confrontation between the autonomous communities involved and the central government, while the agricultural sector denounces the lack of solutions and demands urgent measures to guarantee water security and crop maintenance.
Anomalous climate: extreme temperatures and record drought
The rainfall deficit has been especially pronounced this year in regions such as Asturias.Meteorological data from the State Meteorological Agency confirm that June was extremely warm, with a regional average temperature of 18,7 degrees, almost three degrees above the historical average. As for precipitation, Only 28,4 liters per square meter were collected, 59% less than usual for this month, placing the current hydrological year among the driest since 1961.
In other areas such as Durangaldea, Maximum temperatures reached 38,1 °C on several days, far exceeding records from recent years. The amount of rainfall collected dropped sharply, accentuating the aridity of the environment and its effects on vegetation and available water resources.
Social and economic consequences of a dry environment
The lack of water already has direct consequences on the lives of residents and business activity.Companies located in traditionally irrigated areas are beginning to shift their investments to other territories with more secure water supplies, while some municipalities are facing an unprecedented emergency, with aquifers practically depleted and river flows reduced to a minimum.
The conflict over the distribution of water resources goes beyond the technicalMayors, agricultural unions, and irrigation organizations have raised their voices to demand a rethinking of water management, defending the priority of agricultural production and human supply in the face of restrictions and regulatory changes imposed by the central government.
Health: Increase in dry eye syndrome symptoms
The situation of drought and extreme heat not only affects the environmental and economic spheresThe population's eye health is threatened by the rise of dry eye syndrome. During the summer months, factors such as air conditioning, prolonged exposure to screens, and solar radiation increase the evaporation of natural tears, causing discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision in many people.
experts recommend Protect your eyes with approved glasses, maintain good hydration and use artificial tearsIt's also essential to take frequent breaks from using electronic devices and use humidifiers when the environment is too dry. Early eye health care helps prevent complications resulting from environmental dehydration and heat exposure.
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the driest and hottest in recent history, clearly highlighting the need to adapt resource management to changing climatic conditions. The difficulties facing both the agricultural sector and society in general require a coordinated response and effective solutions to address the challenges posed by water scarcity and the heat waves expected to become more frequent in the future.