Europe Heat Wave Fuels Drought, Fires and Energy Fears

Europe’s relentless heat wave is driving drought, fueling wildfires, and raising serious energy concerns. Record-low water levels in the Danube have disrupted nuclear power operations: Hungary’s Paks plant was nearly forced to shut as cooling water availability fell, while Romania has closed two reactors and used controlled river action to redirect cooling. Greece and other countries are battling fast-moving fires under shifting winds, with large firefighting deployments. Health alerts are also spreading as temperatures climb, increasing risk for vulnerable populations.