Key facts
- Unusually warm rivers due to heat and low rainfall are impacting French nuclear power plant cooling.
- EDF temporarily shut down a reactor at the Golfech nuclear power station due to river temperature thresholds.
- Production restrictions are anticipated at the Nogent nuclear power station if river temperatures rise further.
- Elevated wildfire risk persists across the Iberian peninsula due to dry conditions.
- Typhoon Bavi, though weakened, poses a significant flooding threat as it moves inland in China.
Persistent high pressure across western and central Europe has led to above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall, causing river levels to drop and water temperatures to rise. This phenomenon is directly impacting France's nuclear power generation, as several plants rely on river water for cooling. Environmental regulations mandate operators to limit heat discharge, potentially forcing reductions in electricity output when river temperatures exceed thresholds. Earlier in July, EDF temporarily halted a reactor at the Golfech nuclear power station due to the Garonne River approaching its discharge limit. Further restrictions are anticipated at the Nogent nuclear power station if river temperatures reach forecasted levels. The heatwave has also driven up electricity demand due to increased air-conditioning use across Europe.
Simultaneously, the same weather pattern has fueled dangerous wildfires across the Iberian peninsula, with Spain experiencing significant blazes due to prolonged heat, dry vegetation, and low humidity. While temperatures are expected to moderate slightly in some regions, warmer-than-average conditions are forecast for southern Europe, maintaining elevated wildfire risks and continuing the trend of unusually warm rivers in western Europe.
In Asia, Typhoon Bavi has weakened to a severe tropical storm after making landfall on China's eastern coast. Despite its reduced intensity, it continues to pose a substantial flooding threat as it moves inland. The storm rapidly intensified over warm Pacific waters before reaching China, becoming one of the season's strongest cyclones. Over two million residents were evacuated, and numerous flights, rail services, and ferry operations were suspended. Bavi previously affected Taiwan and Japan's Sakishima Islands with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Its slow inland movement is expected to prolong heavy rainfall across eastern China, increasing the risk of flash floods, river flooding, and landslides.