New satellite images show Europe’s disappearing rivers due to drought

What the report says

Satellite imagery reviewed by Al Jazeera’s Open Source Unit shows drought-related changes across several parts of Europe as prolonged hot, dry weather continues to affect rivers, farmland and urban green spaces. The report, published on 16 August 2026, says about half of Europe’s land is experiencing drought, with 9 percent at alert level, according to the Combined Drought Indicator for mid-July.

The article highlights visible water loss on the Loire, Garonne, Rhine, Po and Danube rivers, with exposed sand and gravel areas expanding in some locations and surrounding vegetation turning brown. It says the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre reported record-low levels on the Loire, Po, Rhine and Danube after weeks of hotter and drier conditions. The report also points to worsening soil moisture and stressed fields in parts of France, Germany, Italy, Hungary and other Central European countries.

Beyond river systems, the images show drought effects in cities including London and Vienna, where parks and other green spaces appear less vibrant than in previous years. Al Jazeera notes that England has had very low rainfall and that the UK Environment Agency has placed much of the country in drought. The broader significance is that low water levels are affecting navigation, agriculture, water supplies and energy use, while European monitoring centres expect dry conditions to continue into September.