Severe heat and historic low water levels grip Europe

Extreme heat and severe drought conditions continue to impact large parts of Europe, stretching from France into Eastern Europe. Meteorological agencies, including Germany's DWD, have issued heat warnings as temperatures are expected to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius alongside severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hail, and high winds.

The prolonged dry spell has brought water levels in key European waterways to historic lows. The Rhine River at Kaub reached its lowest level since 1880, while Lake Constance and sections of the Danube recorded unprecedented low levels for July.

Meanwhile, emergency personnel in France, Spain, and Portugal remain engaged in battling major wildfires. A massive blaze near Bordeaux remains uncontained, significantly disrupting local tourism. Additional fires have also been reported in the Netherlands near the German border as dry conditions exacerbate fire risks across the continent.

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