Loire River placed on drought alert as water temperatures near 30°C

An unprecedented early‑season drought has forced French authorities to place the Loire River on a second‑level water‑alert. Water temperatures have climbed to almost 30 °C, approaching lethal thresholds for species such as pike and barbel. "En trois jours, l'eau a encore baissé de plusieurs centimètres et ça continue," said retired fisherman Michel Navarro. The heat has also triggered massive growth of filamentous algae that deplete oxygen, further endangering fish.

The low water level has exposed extensive sand banks, hampering navigation near Orléas and prompting water‑use restrictions for farmers and certain industrial users. Local boat operators report having to constantly adapt routes, and concerns grow that continued declines could make passage impossible.