Record heat and European drought force nuclear cutbacks and threaten economy

Western Europe experienced its warmest June–July period on record as global ocean surface temperatures reached an unprecedented 20.96°C in July. Globally, July marked the second-hottest July ever recorded, averaging 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels and triggering intense dry conditions across the continent.

In Central and Eastern Europe, dropping river levels disrupted freight shipping and energy production. In response to depleted river volumes, nuclear facilities in Romania and Hungary curtailed operations. Romanian naval units even carried out controlled detonations along the Danube to channel cooling water toward the nation's remaining active reactor. Economists estimate that the combined damage to navigation and power supply could reach two billion euros in the third quarter. The shrinking waterways have also exposed long-submerged artifacts, including Second World War equipment and ancient mammoth remains.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)