New heatwave grips Europe as Rhine levels drop and wildfires persist

A fresh heatwave is sweeping across Western and Central Europe, intensifying dry conditions and complicating wildfire containment efforts. In Germany, the Deutscher Wetterdienst issued widespread heat warnings for central and southern regions, predicting temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius alongside severe thunderstorms. Prolonged dry weather has also driven the Rhine’s water level at Kaub down to historic lows.

Meanwhile, emergency services in France, Spain, and Portugal continue fighting severe blazes, with major fires near Bordeaux remaining uncontained. Authorities also reported a large fire in the Netherlands near the German border, as extreme weather continues to disrupt regional infrastructure and tourism.

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