Extreme Heat Grips Europe: Italy on Highest Alert, Hungary and Romania Cut Lighting

Europe is facing an unprecedented heatwave, prompting Italy to issue its highest health warning for major cities as temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat poses a significant risk to public health across the country, from Sicily in the south to Bolzano in the north.

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Italy has taken an unprecedented step and declared the highest level of health alert for all its major cities due to high temperatures.

In response to the crisis, Hungary has extinguished non-essential lighting on state institutions, including the parliament building and Buda Castle, to conserve energy. Record low water levels in the Danube River have forced the country to nearly halt operations at its sole nuclear power plant, which relies on the river for cooling. Romania is also implementing energy-saving measures, dimming streetlights and turning off illumination on historic buildings. To ensure its own nuclear reactor continues operating, Romania plans to sink stone-filled barges into the Danube to redirect water flow.

These heatwaves are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting the continent, which is warming faster than any other region globally. This summer has seen devastating wildfires, particularly in France and Spain. The European Union is urging member states to increase funding for wildfire risk reduction measures. Economic losses from this year's fires are already estimated to have surpassed 15 billion euros.

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Hungary has extinguished all decorative and other non-essential lighting on all state institutions at night, including the parliament building, a large part of Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, to reduce energy consumption.

The low water levels are not only impacting energy production but also river transport. In Germany, the Rhine River's diminished flow means many barges can only operate at partial capacity, increasing shipping costs for essential goods like grain, minerals, and fuel. The confluence of extreme heat and low water levels presents a multi-faceted challenge for European infrastructure, energy security, and economic stability.

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Romania is preparing to sink four barges filled with stones into the Danube to divert water towards its only operational nuclear reactor and ensure its operation for a few more days.