Europe shows signs of easing drought, but water tables still sapped

An aerial view shows a partially dry aquifer surrounded by lines of grapes at Sumarroca's fields, in the Cava production area of Penedes, south of Barcelona, Spain. REUTERS - ALBERT GEA

Drought conditions in Europe eased to their lowest level in early August, but ongoing record temperatures and depleted groundwater resources have left parts of the continent in crisis.

Data from the European Drought Observatory shows 28 percent of European territory was in soil drought during the first 10 days of the month.