Drought Tightens Across Italy as Puglia's Olive Groves Feel the Strain

Italy is tightening water restrictions across several regions as a prolonged drought strains supplies, according to The Local Italy. Cities and regions are issuing ordinances to limit water use amid the dry conditions, with the South particularly affected.

The drought adds to the pressures on Puglia's agriculture, a sector already reeling from the effects of Xylella on its olive groves. With reservoirs and aquifers running low, the region's farmers face a difficult season ahead.

The situation reflects a broader European challenge, as heatwaves and dry spells test the continent's resilience. The Local Italy reports that the restrictions are part of a wider pattern of climate stress affecting the Mediterranean.