Aug 4, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

Extreme weather conditions continue across Western Europe as temperatures reach up to 39 degrees Celsius across Germany and neighboring regions. The Deutscher Wetterdienst issued severe heat warnings for central and southern German states, while warning of impending heavy thunderstorms, hail, and strong gusts.

In Germany, the Rhine River level at Kaub fell to its lowest point since 1880, causing significant disruptions to shipping routes along the key waterway. Meanwhile, emergency services in Southwestern Europe remain engaged in combating persistent wildfires. Firefighters in France are struggling to contain an uncontrolled blaze near Bordeaux that has halted local tourism, while additional fires are active across Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands near the German border.

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

High temperatures reaching up to 40°C continue across parts of Europe, driving historic hydrological lows and environmental challenges. In eastern Croatia, persistent dry conditions have reduced the Drava and Danube rivers to record-low levels. National water authority Hrvatske vode confirmed that public drinking water supplies and quality remain unaffected despite heightened demand.

Meanwhile, recent wildfires in France and Spain have degraded air quality for millions across the continent. In response to recurring climate extremes, municipal authorities and meteorologists are emphasizing long-term resilience over temporary fixes. Following extreme summer heat, Rome unveiled an urban adaptation plan focused on expanding green spaces and public water access. Croatian meteorological leadership similarly stressed that future infrastructure must be constructed to withstand shifting global climate realities.

Sources: Beta, HRT Vijesti, Index, N1, Poslovni dnevnik

U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that discussions with Iran remain ongoing with support from regional allies, describing the situation as Tehran's final opportunity for an agreement. Despite public denials from Iranian representatives, Trump maintained that informal contacts are active.

Concurrently, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker indicated that Washington will not conclude a joint manufacturing agreement for Patriot missile interceptors with Kyiv prior to winter. However, broader cooperation regarding air defense hardware with European and Ukrainian partners remains underway.

In Russia, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted logistics facilities belonging to e-commerce firm Wildberries. Regional officials reported that an attack near Moscow resulted in at least five deaths and ten injuries, while additional strikes struck warehouses in the Saint Petersburg and Tver districts.

Sources: Makfax, MIA, SDK, Sloboden Pečat

European Union interior ministers convened for urgent talks after an estimated 50,000 migrants crossed into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to back a "joint European response" aimed at reinforcing vulnerable borders through heightened surveillance.

During the discussions, Italy advocated for establishing EU-funded processing and return hubs in non-EU nations. Meanwhile, debate continues over the human toll; Spanish officials reported between 72 and 88 deaths from drowning and stampedes, while Moroccan authorities maintained the actual number is substantially lower and attributed the influx to viral social media misinformation. Approximately 95 percent of recent arrivals have been sent back to Morocco.

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