Europe's river levels dwindle to record lows as heatwaves continue
As Europe braces for yet another heatwave this week, many of the continent's major rivers are already running at exceptionally low levels, raising concerns that flows could slow even further before the end of the summer. Analysis by The National of data from the Copernicus European Flood Awareness System shows that river flows across much of Europe have remained well below the long-term seasonal…
Europe is experiencing record low river levels as another heatwave threatens to intensify the ongoing drought. Major rivers across the continent are running at exceptionally low levels, with the Copernicus European Flood Awareness System data indicating that flow rates have remained well below the long-term seasonal average. The Rhine, a crucial commercial waterway, has slowed to approximately 692 cubic metres per second, a stark contrast to its usual flow of around 1,900 cubic metres per second.
This decline is limiting shipping activities and raising transportation costs. The Danube, too, has witnessed record-low flows, revealing the wreck of a 19th-century German warship in Serbia and potentially exposing an ancient mammoth in Bulgaria. The reduced water levels are also impacting energy infrastructure, with Romania employing controlled explosions to redirect water to its nuclear power plant.
Tourism has suffered, with cruise operators forced to alter or cancel itineraries on the Danube and a cruise ship running aground in Bulgaria. The Rhone and Italy's Po river are also experiencing unusually low water levels. Scientists attribute this widespread decline to one of Western Europe's hottest summer starts, warning that heatwaves and drought are becoming increasingly frequent and intense as global temperatures continue to rise.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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