Europe faces record heat, drought and water-related pressures

Europe is experiencing a summer of extreme heat and drought, with record temperatures, wildfire risks and falling river levels affecting several countries.

France recorded its hottest July since nationwide records began in 1900, with a monthly average temperature of 24.9 degrees Celsius, according to Meteo-France.

Rainfall across the country was nearly 70% below the seasonal average, making July 2026 the third-driest July on record.

Persistent heat, drought and windy conditions kept wildfire risks high or very high, while a wildfire in the southwestern department of Gironde burned about 42,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of more than 220,000 people.

In Austria, a national temperature record of 41 degrees Celsius was set on Tuesday as the heat wave continued. The record was measured in the Stammersdorf region of Vienna, according to Austria's state broadcaster ORF.

A forest fire is also raging in Burgenland, while the Lobau wetlands in Vienna face the highest fire danger level. Meanwhile, water levels on the Danube River have fallen to historically low levels, comparable to the major low-water years of 2003 and 2018.

Neighboring Hungary has extended its highest-level heat alert until midnight on Friday as forecasts show the heat wave will continue. Authorities warned that persistent high temperatures could affect everyone and urged people to take precautions.

The heat wave has intensified drought conditions, lowered water levels in major rivers and increased wildfire risks, with firefighters recently responding to around 100 outdoor fires per day.

Italy is also facing its fourth major heat wave of the summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The Health Ministry placed 25 of the country's 27 monitored cities under the highest heat alert, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Naples and Palermo.

Hot and dry conditions have increased wildfire risks and put pressure on agriculture, with farmers reporting reduced crop yields and higher irrigation demand.

Low river levels and rising water temperatures have also affected nuclear power operations in parts of Europe.

Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant, which supplies nearly half of the country's electricity, remained operational but its operation depended on river conditions and cooling system performance.

Romania's Cernavoda nuclear power plant shut down both reactors after low Danube water levels affected operations. In France and Switzerland, some nuclear facilities also faced operational disruptions as high river temperatures affected cooling capacity.

The combination of extreme heat, drought and declining water availability is putting pressure on public health, agriculture, wildfire prevention and energy systems in affected areas.

(With input from Xinhua)