Slovakia is facing one of its most severe droughts in decades, with meteorologists warning that April was the driest since records began in 1881 and farmers increasingly concerned about major crop losses and possible food price increases later this year.
Experts from the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute say exceptionally low rainfall between December 2025 and April 2026 has created extreme climatological and soil drought conditions across almost the entire country.
“Practically the entire territory of Slovakia is affected by this extraordinary situation,” climatologist Pavel Fasko said during a press conference on May 5.
He added that April would become the driest April recorded in Slovakia since 1881.
According to meteorologists, precipitation levels in many regions have fallen below 50% of the long-term average, while some areas are recording only around 40%. The most critical conditions are being reported in parts of western, central and eastern Slovakia, including the districts of Michalovce and Nitra, where expected crop losses may exceed 40%.
The prolonged lack of moisture is severely affecting agriculture. Farmers growing wheat, potatoes and vegetables report that soil is turning to dust, crops are struggling to germinate and plants are showing visible signs of stress.
“Everything is drying out in the fields. The plants have nothing to live from,” Michal Mislan, deputy chairman and economic director of the GAMA agricultural cooperative in eastern Slovakia, said after weeks without significant rainfall in the area.
Producers warn that wheat harvests could fall sharply compared with last year. Mislan said that his cooperative harvested almost 10 tons of wheat per hectare last year but would consider five tons a success this season if dry weather continued.
The drought is also threatening Slovakia’s potato crop, including in northern growing regions where planting is currently under way. Farmers warn that without substantial rainfall some potatoes may fail to emerge from the ground at all.
Agricultural representatives say the financial pressure on farms is increasing as poor harvest expectations coincide with low grain prices and rising costs. Some producers warn they may be forced to reduce spending, take loans or cut jobs in order to survive the season.
Vegetable growers report that even irrigation systems are struggling to offset the effects of high temperatures and strong winds, which are rapidly evaporating moisture from the soil.
“The situation is critical,” said Jozef Sumichrast, head of Slovakia’s association of vegetable and potato growers. “Even potato producers in northern Slovakia are reporting problems.”
Climate experts say the drought is also affecting forests and water supplies. According to climatologist Gabriela Ivanakova, spruce forests are losing their deep green colour, while deciduous trees are showing delayed and irregular leaf growth.
Hydrologist Jana Poorova warned that groundwater and springs were also under pressure.
“Water levels and spring yields are falling below 20% of the long-term norm,” she said.
Meteorologists expect rainfall later this week, as a cold front moves across the region, particularly in central and northern Slovakia. However, forecasts currently suggest localised showers and thunderstorms rather than the widespread and sustained rainfall needed to end the drought.
“It does not currently look like long-lasting or large-scale rainfall,” meteorologist Cyril Siman said.
Although rainfall in May is expected to be higher than in April, experts say totals are still likely to remain below the long-term average, meaning drought conditions are expected to persist across much of Slovakia. (The Slovak Spectator)