Record heatwaves and river droughts disrupt European transport and energy

Europe is confronting a fifth consecutive heatwave this summer, exacerbating drought conditions, straining healthcare systems, and fueling what could become the continent's worst wildfire season on record. According to the United Nations meteorological agency, periods of extreme heat have intensified, expanded geographically, and grown more prolonged since modern pattern shifts began in 1976.

The prolonged dry spell has severely lowered water levels along major commercial waterways, notably sections of the Rhine and the Danube, disrupting freight navigation. Declining river volumes have also hampered power generation in countries including Hungary, illustrating immediate economic disruptions linked to global warming.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti.