Several of Europe’s most vital waterways have fallen to critically low levels in recent weeks, driven by sustained heatwave conditions and drought across much of the continent. The Rhine, one of Europe’s busiest shipping corridors, recorded its lowest measured levels at key locations in Germany and the Netherlands last week. The Danube similarly hit its lowest point in 30 years in multiple countries, while Italy’s Po River reached historic lows near Cremona in late July.
The low water levels are creating significant economic and operational challenges across multiple sectors. At Kaub, a critical bottleneck for Rhine shipping, water depths reached 25 centimeters, matching the previous 2018 low. Officials warn that reduced water levels will force vessels to carry lighter loads, requiring cargo to be distributed across more ships and potentially increasing transport costs and supply disruptions. The Danube’s condition has forced Hungary’s sole nuclear power plant to operate at reduced capacity, while Serbia reduced output at coal-fired plants due to cooling water shortages. Romanian authorities took emergency measures, including a controlled explosion on a Danube riverbank structure, to maintain water flow to a nuclear facility, while two major car manufacturers halted production to conserve electricity.
Agriculture and drinking water supplies also face serious threats. The Po Valley authorities raised drought alerts to their highest level, with experts warning of potential drinking water disruptions. Saltwater intrusion from the sea into the Po’s lower reaches is damaging aquatic ecosystems and complicating irrigation for farmers. The EU’s Drought Observatories reported that drought conditions remained critical across most of Europe in mid-July, with worsening conditions in central-western regions. Additional heatwaves are forecast to persist for at least another week, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in many central and southern European countries.
Scientific research suggests climate change is amplifying drought risks across Europe. While a World Weather Attribution study found no clear long-term trend toward reduced rainfall in much of the region, researchers noted that human-caused climate change increases evaporation through higher temperatures, making drought conditions more probable. The combination of higher temperatures and increased water demand for household, agricultural, and industrial purposes is intensifying water stress across the continent.
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