Two-thirds of Europe is under some sort of drought warning, in what is likely the worst such event in 500 years.

The latest report from the Global Drought Observatory says 47% of the continent is in “warning” conditions, meaning soil has dried up, the BBC has reported.

Another 17% is on alert – meaning vegetation “shows signs of stress”.

The report warns that the dry spell will hit crop yields, spark wildfires, and may last several months more in some of Europe’s southern regions.

Compared with the average of the previous five years, EU forecasts for harvest are down 16% for grain maize, 15% for soybeans and 12% for sunflowers.

The drought observatory is part of the European Commission’s research wing.

Responding to it, the Commission warned that preliminary data suggests “the current drought still appears to be the worst since at least 500 years”.

The ongoing heatwave and water shortages have “created an unprecedented stress on water levels in the entire EU”, Research Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said.

For further information and the full report from the Global Drought Observatory click here.