European Heatwave Lowers River Levels While Typhoon Bavi Disrupts Transport Across East Asia

Above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall across much of western and central Europe during June and the first half of July lowered river levels and raised water temperatures, The Guardian reported. Persistent high pressure produced prolonged sunshine, suppressed rainfall and increased evaporation.

These conditions affected electricity generation at several French nuclear power stations that rely on river water for cooling.

French environmental regulations require operators to limit heat discharged back into rivers. EDF temporarily shut down a reactor at the Golfech nuclear power station earlier this month after the Garonne River approached its environmental discharge threshold. Production restrictions are expected at the Nogent nuclear power station from 14 July if the river reaches its forecasted temperature.

Electricity demand rose across much of Europe because of higher air-conditioning use. The same weather pattern produced dangerous wildfires across the Iberian peninsula. Spain experienced several significant wildfires last week, with one of the largest in Almería province prompting evacuations and extensive firefighting operations.

Temperatures are forecasted to ease slightly in some areas of southern Europe during the coming week, though weather models indicate generally warmer-than-average conditions. In Asia, Typhoon Bavi weakened to a severe tropical storm after making two landfalls along China’s eastern coast.

The storm had reached Category 5 strength over exceptionally warm waters in the western Pacific before reaching China.