Heatwave and drought persist across Germany and central Europe

A renewed heatwave has brought severe temperatures and worsening drought conditions across Germany and central Europe. The German Weather Service issued extreme heat warnings for several federal states, including Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate, with peak temperatures anticipated to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius alongside severe thunderstorms.

The prolonged high temperatures continue to impact key waterways, pushing water levels on both the Rhine and Danube rivers to historical lows. At Kaub, the Rhine recorded its lowest water level since 1880, severely disrupting freight shipping and threatening river ecosystems and drinking water supplies. Receding waters have also exposed historical artifacts, such as sunken shipwrecks and ancient bones. Meanwhile, emergency services remain on alert for potential wildfires across affected regions.

Sources: Die Zeit, DW, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau