Rhine falls to record low levels as drought strains Europe's rivers

The River Rhine has hit record low levels in parts of Germany and the Netherlands as Europe grapples with a severe drought. Recent readings in Cologne and Lobith were lower than any point since records began. Other major European rivers, including the Danube and Italy's Po, have also seen record lows, impacting transport, industry, and agriculture.

Drought conditions remained stable and critical across most of Europe, worsening in mid-July. Heatwaves are expected to continue for another week, with temperatures soaring above 40C in many southern and central European countries.

Germany's Low Water Information System (NIWIS) reported that 44% of Rhine measuring stations and 78% of those on the Danube recorded extremely low water levels at the end of July. The Rhine, a crucial waterway in Europe, has faced navigational challenges, with cargo vessels loaded to the point of maximum capacity, potentially leading to higher transport costs and supply bottlenecks. Shipping may not be entirely halted but precautions such as spreading cargo over more vessels are being considered to prevent damage to ships.

The Danube, flowing through 10 countries, reached its lowest levels in 30 years, threatening Hungary's nuclear power plant and causing power supply disruptions in Serbia and Romania. Romania has even resorted to a controlled explosion to boost water flow for its nuclear power plant. High alert levels have been set for Italy's Po River, affecting drinking water supply in the Po Valley, and saltwater intrusion from the sea is disrupting the river ecosystem.

While there's no clear long-term trend toward lower rainfall in Europe, human-induced climate change is exacerbating evaporation due to higher temperatures, increasing drought frequency. This, coupled with higher water demand for households, agriculture, and industries, intensifies the drought's impact. The 2022 European drought has also contributed to increased wildfire activity and higher carbon emissions.