Extreme Weather Watch: The Mediterranean’s record heat is now “turning into” autumn rain and storms, with sea temperatures in parts of the basin running about 28–33°C and Copernicus flagging major marine heatwave anomalies—raising the risk of flooding across southern Europe. UK Storm Alert: Britain’s Met Office warns an “unprecedented” El Niño could bring Storm Desmond-level flooding risk, with wetter, stormier autumn and early winter ahead. Scotland Flood Fears: Scotland is told to brace for turbulent months as the same El Niño signal intensifies. Italy Flash-Floods: Northern Italy saw exceptional rainfall and flooding after weeks of heat, with Liguria hit hardest—tens of thousands of lightning strikes in 24 hours and major disruption to rail and coastal areas. Climate Feedbacks: European researchers say falling soil moisture is likely to intensify future hot summers, while drought and heat are also worsening wildfire risk. Energy Under Strain: Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear plant cut Unit 5 output by about 120 MW as the Danube drops to critically low levels, with officials stressing it’s not a nuclear-safety crisis. Offshore Wind Deal: Scotland’s Ardersier Port and China’s Dajin signed an MoU to combine port logistics with offshore wind foundation manufacturing and transport. Cross-Border Crime: Slovakia detained 18 people, including Moldovan citizens, over a clandestine cigarette factory allegedly targeting Western Europe, with millions in unpaid excise duties at stake.