Heatwaves and drought hit Austria's power supply and public health
Severe heatwaves and prolonged drought in Austria are driving up temperatures to 38°C, lowering hydroelectric generation, and causing a surge in mortality rates.
Austria is experiencing severe heatwaves and persistent drought, driving up regional temperatures, public health concerns, and energy sector strains. Weather forecasts indicate temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius across eastern regions, alongside extreme heat in cities including Salzburg, Linz, and Innsbruck.
The prolonged dry weather is impacting the national power supply. Reduced river flows have curtailed hydroelectric power generation, leading to a drop in profits for energy utility Verbund. Meanwhile, preliminary data from Statistik Austria revealed a 20 percent surge in mortality during early July, coinciding with the season's first heatwave. While statisticians note a clear correlation between elevated temperatures and mortality, official confirmation regarding the precise number of heat-attributable deaths remains pending.
Sources: FAZ, ORF, Der Standard