Rhine falls to record low levels as drought strains Europe's rivers
Low water levels in the Rhine, Danube and Po have curtailed the transport of goods and reduced electricity output.
Europe's rivers are experiencing strain from drought conditions, with the Rhine reaching unprecedented low levels in parts of Germany and the Netherlands due to ongoing heatwaves.
Last week, water levels recorded in Cologne, western Germany, and Lobith, where the Rhine enters the Netherlands from Germany, were the lowest since record-keeping began. Other significant European rivers, vital for transport, industry, and agriculture, such as the Danube, which traverses 10 countries, and Italy's Po river, have also seen record-low levels.
According to the EU's Drought Observatories, drought conditions remained stable and critical across most of Europe, worsening in central-western Europe by mid-July. Renewed heatwave conditions are projected to persist for at least another week, with temperatures in many central and southern European countries expected to exceed 40C.
Germany's Low Water Information System (NIWIS) reported that by the end of July, 44% of Rhine measuring stations and 78% of Danube stations had recorded extremely low water levels.
The Rhine, originating in the Swiss Alps and flowing into the North Sea, is one of Europe's busiest waterways. Declining water levels have raised concerns about the economic impact of potential restrictions on navigation and shipping. On Friday, the navigable water depth at the Kaub chokepoint near Koblenz matched the 2018 record low of 25cm, before a slight recovery on Monday. The Kaub gauging station in western Germany is a crucial indicator for Rhine navigability, as it determines the maximum cargo weight vessels can carry. Low readings there can severely impede inland shipping.
Martin Wolters of the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority informed German outlet WDR that while a complete suspension of Rhine shipping was improbable, precautions would be necessary, such as distributing cargo among more vessels to reduce individual loads. Wolters noted that this could eventually lead to increased transport costs and supply bottlenecks. A commodity trader told Reuters, "There comes a time when loads are too small to be worthwhile or vessel owners are worried about damaging their ships."
Last week, the Danube's water levels in several countries, including Serbia and Romania, dropped to their lowest in 30 years, compelling Hungary to shut down its sole nuclear power plant. Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated on Monday, "We don't know when we will be able to restart [the plant]. We hope that it will happen as soon as possible and we hope that the cooling, liberating rain that the forecasters do not yet see coming will arrive."
The Danube drought is also causing significant disruptions to power supplies in Serbia and Romania. Serbia reduced output at its coal-fired power plants due to insufficient water for cooling systems, while Romania conducted a controlled explosion on a large rock on the Danube's banks to enhance water flow to the Cernavoda nuclear power plant.
Italy's longest river, the Po, reached a historic low near the northern city of Cremona in late July. Authorities elevated the drought alert level to "high" across the entire Po Valley, and experts have warned of potential disruptions to drinking water supplies. Reduced river flows at the Po's mouth have also allowed saltwater from the sea to intrude into the riverbed, harming the ecosystem and creating serious problems for farmers who rely on Po water for irrigation.
A recent study by scientists from the World Weather Attribution group found no clear long-term trend of decreasing rainfall across much of Europe. However, researchers concluded that human-caused climate change is increasing moisture evaporation due to higher temperatures, thereby making drought conditions more probable. The hot, dry weather has also increased demand for water for household, agricultural, and industrial uses.
Extended periods of drought can also impact lake water levels, affecting the availability of freshwater resources. The EU's Copernicus climate service indicated that the 2022 drought in Europe contributed to increased wildfire activity, which in turn led to higher-than-average carbon emissions.
Additional reporting by Mark Poynting.