Western Europe records hottest June-July period amid severe heatwave and river droughts

Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record, as global average ocean surface temperatures reached a peak of 20.96°C in July. Globally, July marked the second-warmest month recorded, standing 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels and fueling widespread wildfires and severe drought across the continent.

The extreme heat and plunging river water levels have disrupted energy generation and river transport, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Romania and Hungary were forced to temporarily shut down nuclear reactors due to insufficient cooling water from rivers like the Danube. Analysts estimate economic losses from river network disruptions could reach up to two billion euros in the third quarter. The falling water levels have also exposed historical artifacts, including Second World War vehicles and ancient fossils, across dried riverbeds.

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