Europe faces worsening heatwaves and Danube water‑level decline

The World Health Organization warned that heatwaves across Europe are becoming more intense and frequent, with temperatures expected to reach up to 43 °C in Portugal and southern Spain and a new heat episode forecast for France. Less than half of the 53 WHO European member states have national heat‑action plans, leaving vulnerable groups such as the elderly, homeless, and outdoor workers at heightened risk of dehydration, hyperthermia and related complications.

At the same time, the Danube River’s flow at the Baziaș section is projected to fall to about 1 850 m³/s in early July, far below the July average of 4 700 m³/s. The low water level has forced the temporary suspension of a ferry service between Bechet (Romania) and Oryahovo (Bulgaria) and threatens navigation, agriculture and tourism along the river. Romanian and Bulgarian authorities are working on monitoring and water‑management measures, while the broader trend reflects the impact of prolonged droughts and climate‑induced changes in regional hydrology.