Space-visible drought: Europe’s rivers shrink to record lows as heatwave drains waterways

Relentless heat and scarce rainfall have driven Europe’s Danube and Rhine to unprecedented low water levels, visible from space as satellite images reveal exposed riverbeds and sandbars. Shipping is shrinking capacity on these arteries, with cargo loads reduced by up to 80%, and energy security faces risk as Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant operates at roughly 10% capacity due to Danube cooling needs. Romania is diverting Danube water to the Cernavodǎ reactor to keep it running. Scientists warn such hydrological extremes will become more common with warming climates, underscoring the need to rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions and invest in long-term water management.