Climate Threat Extreme Weather in Europe

Harvest Forecasts Downgraded After Extreme Heat

Harvest forecasts in the EU for all spring and summer crops are being lowered due to the extreme heat and limited rainfall. This is according to a new report by the European Commission's research centre JRC.

The biggest problems are expected in western and central Europe, where repeated heat waves and prolonged droughts have depleted the soil of moisture and exposed crops to severe heat and water stress, writes the JRC.

The forecasts have been lowered in particular for maize and sunflowers, where yields are now expected to be 6-7 percent lower.

"The forecasts indicate that the hot and dry weather will persist in Western Europe, increasing the risk of further crop losses," writes the JRC.

Historically low water level in Danube – nuclear reactor shut down

Water levels in the Danube River, which flows through large parts of Europe, are at historically low levels. This is reported by AFP.

The low water level has stopped shipping in parts of Serbia. In some places, the river is so shallow that it can be crossed on foot.

“This is a very unfavorable hydrological situation, and it is really serious,” says Serbian hydrologist Dejan Vladikovic.

Authorities warn that the low water level threatens hydroelectric power production, river transport and agriculture.

According to Vladikovic, the situation is expected to persist into August and also affect other rivers.

The effects are also being felt in other parts of Europe. In Hungary, the low water levels have forced the MVM Paks nuclear power plant to reduce production and shut down one of its reactors, reports Bloomberg. In Romania and Slovakia, low water has also caused disruption to boat traffic on the river.

Half of England in drought – July could break records

Half of England is now affected by drought after a summer with record-low rainfall, Sky News reports, citing the British Environment Agency.

July is expected to be one of the driest months on record, while Wales looks set to have its driest July in 190 years. The temperature has also been around three degrees above normal.

The dry and hot weather has greatly increased the risk of forest and ground fires, but is also affecting agriculture. A BBC Breakfast feature visits a farm that on Wednesday prepared the earliest wheat harvest in 50 years.

At the same time, the parched fields pose new risks for farmers. A single spark from a flint can be enough to set the dry ground on fire, farmer John Sheppard told the BBC earlier in July.