Severe heat and historic low river levels continue across Europe

Central Europe continues to face extreme temperatures and persistent drought conditions as meteorologists forecast further high temperatures and severe thunderstorms. The German Weather Service warned of temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, with elevated heat anticipated to persist through the weekend.

Extremely low water levels along major waterways, including the Rhine and Danube, are severely impacting freight shipping and local ecosystems while threatening drinking water supplies. At Kaub, the Rhine's water level has dropped to its lowest point since 1880. Drought conditions have also exposed historical artifacts, including sunken shipwrecks and mammoth bones, along exposed riverbeds. Meanwhile, emergency services remain on alert for potential wildfires near border regions.

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