The heat in beehives has become so intense that the wax in the combs is softening, causing…

The heat in beehives has become so intense that the wax in the combs is softening, causing them to break. Organic beekeeper Franz Obendorfer reports significant challenges in the Weinviertel region due to extreme heat and lack of rain, resulting in lower honey yields and damaged combs. Beekeepers are employing various strategies to combat the overheating of their hives. This summer has been particularly extreme, with rainfall in the first half of the year being 30 to 50 percent below the long-term average in some areas. The exceptionally hot and dry July has worsened the situation.