The Latest Breaking News from Drought

Romania shuts its last nuclear reactor as drought-hit Danube river drops to record low

Cernavoda shutdown poses immediate problems for Moldova, which relies on Romanian power ​to cover its own electricity shortages

The Guardian - AU · Aug 14

In 1950, world witnessed strongest El Nino but weather forecasters warn of more powerful climate phenomenon that will push nearly 49 million people ⁠into acute food insecurity

El Nino is a phenomenon that occurs naturally, ​when weakening trade winds cause warmer ocean waters to build ​up in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This typically leads to higher global temperatures and altered weather patterns, bringing drought to some ​regions and heavy rainfall to others.

The Economic Times · Aug 14

Millions across Europe swelter through a new wave of extreme temperatures

Repeat heatwaves and drought have fuelled a historically hot summer of wildfires, and contributed to the deaths of thousands of people.

Euronews · Aug 13

Romania shuts down nuclear plant due to low level of drought-hit Danube

Romania on Thursday began a complete shutdown of its only nuclear plant after levels of water in the River Danube – used to cool the site – fell to a record low, the national nuclear energy company said.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 13

Hosepipe bans make climate change more tangible – but restrictions can provoke resistance

Drought is affecting almost three-quarters of England and around 27 million people are under water use restrictions or hosepipe bans.

The Conversation · Aug 13

Europe wildfire tracker: France and Spain at extreme risk of new fires as temperatures soar to 42C

The continent is facing its fifth major heatwave of the summer

The Independent UK · Aug 13

In 2000, drought began gripping the American West. By 2021, tree rings showed its driest 22-year period in 1,200 years

The American West did not suddenly run out of water, the crisis built slowly. Around 2000, a prolonged drought began spreading across the region, with dry conditions returning year after year and leaving less moisture in the ground. Reservoirs fell, vegetation struggled and the effects of each dry season began…

The Times of India · Aug 13

Britain on course for hottest summer on record as fifth heatwave hits

Britain's fifth heatwave of the summer is expected to peak on Thursday. An amber extreme heat warning remains in force across large parts of England until midnight.

The Times of India · Aug 13

UK weather forecast: How long will the latest heatwave last?

Rain is likely in northern parts of the UK later this month as most of the country is now in drought

The Independent UK · Aug 13

Colorado city uses 15-minute water data from smart meters to catch illegal lawn watering during drought

Aurora, Colorado, is using smart water meters to enforce drought rules as the city faces severe water shortages. The meters track water use throughout the day. This allows Aurora Water, the city’s municipal utility department, to identify lawns being watered outside the permitted schedule.

The Times of India · Aug 13