Record heatwave and drought disrupt power generation and river transport across Europe

Western Europe recorded its warmest June and July on record as average global ocean surface temperatures reached a peak of 20.96°C in July. Severe drought conditions across Central and Eastern Europe have reduced river levels, forcing nuclear power plants in Romania and Hungary to reduce output or temporarily shut down reactors. In Romania, naval forces used controlled explosives along the Danube River to redirect cooling water to an active reactor.

The falling water levels have also exposed historical relics, including World War II material and prehistoric mammoth bones. Interruptions to inland waterway shipping and energy production could result in third-quarter economic losses of up to two billion euros across affected regions.

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