Weather tracker: Unusually warm rivers affect French nuclear power plants [View all]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/13/weather-tracker-unusually-warm-rivers-affect-french-nuclear-power-plants

Weather tracker: Unusually warm rivers affect French nuclear power plants

Theo Gkousarov for MetDesk

High temperatures and below average rainfall put pressure on waterways used to cool reactors
Mon 13 Jul 2026 06.53 EDT

Above average temperatures combined with below average rainfall across much of western and central Europe during June and the first half of July have placed increasing pressure on rivers, ecosystems and energy infrastructure. Persistent high pressure brought prolonged sunshine, suppressed rainfall and enhanced evaporation, causing river levels to fall and water temperatures to increase.

These unusually warm rivers are affecting electricity generation in France, as several nuclear power stations rely on river water for cooling. Under French environmental regulations, operators must limit the amount of heat discharged back into rivers, meaning electricity output may need to be reduced when water temperatures become too high.

Earlier this month, EDF temporarily shut down a reactor at the Golfech nuclear power station after the Garonne River approached its environmental discharge threshold, while production restrictions are expected at the Nogent nuclear power station from 14 July if the river reaches its forecast temperature. The prolonged heat has also increased electricity demand as air-conditioning use has risen across much of Europe.

The same persistent weather pattern has produced dangerous wildfires across the Iberian peninsula. Spain experienced several significant wildfires last week as prolonged heat, exceptionally dry vegetation and very limited rainfall combined with low relative humidity and periods of gusty winds to create favourable conditions for fire to spread rapidly. One of the largest fires occurred in the Almería province, prompting evacuations and extensive firefighting operations.

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