Record Heatwave Hits Europe (2 Photos)

"Not a single drop of rain in a month for the first time in 155 years": Europe faces severe drought in the wake of record heatwaves.





"London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, where weather records date back to 1871, recorded a calendar month without a single drop of rain for the first time in history. Meanwhile, Europe continues to battle a widespread drought.

Record-low water levels in the Danube River forced Hungary to shut down its only nuclear power plant. Amid growing economic strain, authorities are already bracing for potential blackouts and power rationing."



"Western Netherlands shuts all canal locks and bans lawn watering": Severe drought forces unprecedented canal closures and water extraction bans across the country.

"The Delfland Water Authority has announced unprecedented emergency measures for the western region of the Netherlands. Starting August 5, all locks will be completely closed to both commercial shipping and recreational boating. In addition, a strict ban on drawing water from rivers, canals, and other open bodies of water comes into effect.

The move comes as a prolonged drought and critical freshwater shortages put immense strain on the coastal water management system."



"Water police next?": Over 100 German towns and districts impose water restrictions amid scorching heat.

"A winter with little snowfall followed by a dry spring caused river levels to drop dramatically, with repeated heatwaves only exacerbating the crisis. Munich has imposed particularly strict measures: in July, residents were banned from filling garden pools, watering lawns, and washing cars. In Hanover, garden watering is prohibited whenever temperatures exceed 27 degrees Celsius.

In Potsdam, watering the historic palace gardens has been halted. In most of the 109 cities and districts where restrictions are now in effect, agriculture has been hit hard—pumping water from rivers and lakes to irrigate crops is strictly forbidden."