WorldWeather tracker: Unusually warm rivers affect French nuclear power plants

Western and central Europe experienced above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall through June and the first half of July. Persistent high pressure brought extended sunshine, reduced rainfall and increased evaporation, lowering river levels while raising water temperatures. The warming waterways are affecting electricity generation in France, where several nuclear plants depend on river water to cool their reactors. French environmental rules require operators to restrict heat released into rivers, so output may have to be cut when water temperatures rise too far.

extreme heatFrancenuclear powerrivers

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-07-13 10:53Original