Extreme heatwave spreads across Europe as water levels drop

A severe heatwave continues to impact Europe, pushing temperatures up to 39 degrees Celsius in Germany and prompting health authorities to issue emergency warnings. The German Meteorological Service warned of approaching severe thunderstorms alongside the high temperatures.

Record-low water levels along major waterways, including the Rhine and Danube, have disrupted commercial shipping. In Germany, the Rhine water gauge at Kaub dropped to its lowest point since 1880, while receding waters in the Danube exposed submerged historic artifacts, shipwrecks, and prehistoric remains.

Wildfires continue to spread across Southwestern Europe, with major blazes in France, Spain, and Portugal impacting local tourism, particularly near Bordeaux. Emergency crews also responded to a large wildfire in the Netherlands near the German border. In Italy, the Ministry of Health designated all 27 major cities under the highest heat alert level, warning of serious health risks for the general population.

Sources: Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau