Record Heat Grips Western Europe, Drought Forces Nuclear Plant Output Cut

Western Europe is grappling with unprecedented heatwaves, with June and July 2026 recording the highest average temperatures in the region's history. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported an average temperature of 21.62℃ during this period, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 and exceeding the 1991-2020 average by a significant 2.79℃.

This intense heat has exacerbated drought conditions across several European nations, including France, Spain, Austria, and Hungary. The dry weather has led to a massive loss of soil moisture and increased the risk of wildfires, with France and Spain experiencing severe forest fires. The extreme drought has also pushed major rivers, such as the Seine, Rhine, and Danube, to critically low levels.

The impact of these low river levels is particularly severe for energy production. In Hungary, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which normally supplies nearly half of the country's electricity, was forced to reduce its power generation to approximately 10% of its normal capacity. This drastic reduction is due to insufficient cooling water from the Danube River, whose levels have fallen dramatically.

Similarly, Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant has also been affected by the low water levels, with some units temporarily ceasing operations due to a lack of cooling water. Beyond energy concerns, the diminished river flows are hindering navigation along the Danube, restricting the carrying capacity of vessels and impacting transportation and trade. The record heatwave has thus translated into a multifaceted crisis, affecting energy supply, transportation, and increasing the threat of natural disasters.