Major European river and waterway
A prolonged drought and extreme heat have pushed Danube water levels to record lows, forcing Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant to cut output sharply and face a full shutdown this week. Romania and Serbia have reduced reactor or hydro output, shipping has slowed, and governments are imposing energy-saving measures as temperatures remain high and rain is not forecast.
Major European rivers are facing prolonged low water levels amid heatwaves. Danube and Rhine routes have reduced traffic and higher costs, with officials warning levels may rise next week as rain returns in parts of the region.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.