A heatwave that hit western Europe last week is spreading east, with parts of central and southern Europe bracing for temperatures near 40C. Hungary has been forced to shut down most of its sole nuclear power plant as low Danube water levels made cooling impossible.
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Key facts
- Temperatures are forecast to reach 37C in Budapest and Vienna.
- Parts of central and southern Europe are set to approach 40C.
- Hungary shut down most of its only nuclear power plant for the first time in 44 years.
- Falling water levels on the Danube made it impossible to cool the plant safely.
- The plant is expected to be completely powered down later this week as Danube levels drop further.
A heatwave that gripped western Europe last week is now moving eastwards, with large parts of central and southern Europe set to experience extreme temperatures approaching 40C, according to the Guardian. The shift is putting several countries at risk of an energy crunch.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 37C in both Budapest and Vienna. The high heat comes alongside falling water levels in the Danube river, which have created problems for power generation in the region.
Hungary was forced to shut down most of its sole nuclear power plant for the first time in 44 years. The plant generates a large part of the country’s energy supply, but the drying out of the Danube made it impossible to cool the facility safely.
The Guardian reports that the nuclear plant is expected to be completely powered down later this week, as water levels on the Danube river are projected to fall further.
The combination of extreme temperatures and reduced river flows illustrates how heatwaves can strain energy infrastructure that relies on water for cooling, adding pressure at a time when demand for power typically rises.
Why it matters
Extreme heat is not only a health risk but can also undermine the energy systems people rely on, as seen with Hungary's nuclear shutdown. When rivers used for cooling run low, power supplies can be disrupted at exactly the moment demand for electricity spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Hungary shut down its nuclear plant?
According to the Guardian, falling water levels in the Danube river made it impossible to safely cool the plant, forcing Hungary to shut down most of the facility for the first time in 44 years.
How hot is it expected to get?
Temperatures are forecast to reach 37C in Budapest and Vienna, with large parts of central and southern Europe set to approach 40C.
Will the nuclear plant be fully shut down?
The Guardian reports the plant is expected to be completely powered down later this week as Danube water levels are projected to fall further.
Timeline
- Central and southern Europe brace for heatwave – Europe live
The Guardian World: Temperatures forecast to reach 37C in Budapest and Vienna as Hungary switches off vital nuclear plant with falling water levels in Danube affecting cooling capabilities The latest heatwave seen in western Europe last week are now moving eastwards, with large parts of central and