Weather tracker: Unusually warm rivers affect French nuclear power plants

Europe is grappling with the dual impacts of extreme heat and drought, affecting both energy production and increasing wildfire risks. Unusually warm rivers, a consequence of prolonged high pressure, suppressed rainfall, and enhanced evaporation, are directly impacting France's nuclear power generation.

Several French nuclear power stations rely on river water for cooling. However, environmental regulations mandate that operators limit the heat discharged back into rivers. This has led to temporary shutdowns, such as at the Golfech nuclear power station, and expected production restrictions at Nogent from July 14 if river temperatures exceed thresholds. The heatwave has also driven up electricity demand due to increased air conditioning use.

Simultaneously, the persistent weather pattern has created tinderbox conditions across the Iberian Peninsula, igniting dangerous wildfires. Spain, in particular, battled significant blazes last week, exacerbated by dry vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds. The Almería province saw one of the largest fires, necessitating evacuations and large-scale firefighting efforts.

Looking ahead, weather models indicate continued warmer-than-average conditions across southern Europe with little widespread rainfall expected. This suggests elevated wildfire risks and continued stress on river systems. In Asia, Typhoon Bavi, though weakened, continues to pose a significant flooding threat to China after rapidly intensifying over warm waters and causing disruption in Taiwan and Japan.