2026 European drought crisis
One page that accretes the verified record as the story develops. Every fact keeps its date and its sources.
France records hottest summer ever in 2026
France experienced a heatwave in late June that set a new intensity record.
According to Meteo France, the summer of 2026 had a rainfall deficit of nearly 40 percent, making it the second driest since records began.
A heatwave from late July into August matched a 23-day record previously set in 1983.
Record drought grips Europe as rivers and crops dry up
Record-low water levels in Europe are disrupting agriculture.
Record-low water levels in Europe are disrupting shipping.
Record-low water levels in Europe are disrupting nuclear power plants that rely on rivers for cooling.
French Health Authorities Link Sharp Rise in Drownings to Ongoing Heatwaves
Wildfires in late July forced over 200,000 people from their homes in the Gironde area around Bordeaux.
A nuclear power plant in southwest France temporarily shut down during the June heatwave because River Garonne water temperatures exceeded 28C.
Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari stated that many fatal swimming accidents occurred in unauthorized or unsupervised areas.
“Many deadly accidents have occurred in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming.”
Report Details Impact of Severe Drought on UK Agriculture
Officials state that as much as two-thirds of England is experiencing drought following months of heatwaves and unusually dry weather.
Europe faces combined heatwave and energy crunch
PSG forced to move opening league match as heatwave damages pitch in France
“that the current conditions did not allow the match to be held under satisfactory circumstances, particularly with regard to the safety and physical well-being of the players”
Europe blows up riverbeds amid extreme drought
Low water levels on the Danube have threatened to close Hungary's Paks nuclear plant.
Romania recently shut down its sole working nuclear reactor cooled by the Danube.
Liz Saccoccia said nuclear plants in Hungary, Romania and France, along with hydropower facilities in Serbia, have had to reduce electricity generation because there isn't enough water for cooling or driving turbines.
Extreme drought disrupts European economy
Danube River drying reveals World War II shipwrecks and mammoth bones
The deliberate sinking of the German warships was intended to slow down the Soviet advance in the Balkans.
The mammoth is thought to have been young.
Experts have linked the unusually hot weather to global warming and other factors.
France records 5,700 excess deaths during historic June heatwave
The Paris region recorded 1,999 unexpected deaths, around 80% more than would otherwise have been anticipated without a heat wave.
Public Health France said regions hit by the heat from June 17 to July 2 recorded 21,674 deaths from all causes.
Across Europe, extreme temperatures saw well over 10,000 more deaths at the height of the heat wave than would normally have been expected.