Record heat and severe drought disrupt European energy and river transport

Western and Central Europe recorded unprecedented heat and dry conditions during June and July, driving global ocean surface temperatures to a record 20.96°C in July. Global surface air temperatures reached 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels, triggering wildfires and lowering river levels across the continent.

The dropping water levels in major waterways like the Danube disrupted inland shipping and power generation. In Romania and Hungary, operators were forced to temporarily shut down or reduce output at nuclear reactors due to insufficient cooling water, prompting military intervention in Romania to clear riverbed obstacles. The receding waters also exposed historical relics, including World War II equipment and ancient mammoth remains.

Economic analysts warn that disrupted river transport and reduced energy production could result in up to two billion euros in financial losses across Central Europe during the third quarter.

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