France faces record drought cost over €5.6 bn as Europe endures heatwave

France is confronting an unprecedented drought, with the government estimating the financial impact will exceed €5.6 billion, surpassing the €5.6 billion cost of the 2022 drought. Out of 99 prefectures under observation, 62 have been placed in a state of emergency, prompting new water‑use restrictions and heightened concerns over ongoing forest fires.

A simultaneous heatwave is sweeping central Europe, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 41 °C in Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. Authorities have banned outdoor fires, asked factories to cut electricity consumption, and deployed military trucks to deliver drinking water to towns such as St. Andre. The Danube’s low water level threatens the operation of Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant, while rail speeds have been reduced in Slovenia to prevent heat‑related track distortions. The combined heat and drought are straining water supplies, power grids and agricultural production across the region.