In Germany, the Rhine has neared a record low water level due to the heat wave
In Germany, due to the prolonged heat wave and drought, water levels in the Rhine—one of Europe’s most important waterways—have dropped sharply. Levels are approaching record lows, but cargo shipping continues for now.
This was reported by the German Inland Waterways Authority (WSV). According to the agency, on July 30, the depth of the navigable channel in the Kauba area near Koblenz was 29 centimeters. This is nearly equal to the record low of 25 centimeters recorded in 2018.
The WSV forecasts that between Thursday and Monday, the water level could drop to 26 centimeters, though it is not expected to fall below the previous record low.
Fully loaded vessels in this section typically require a depth of about 1.5 meters. Due to the shallowing waters, barges are forced to carry less cargo, leading to increased costs for companies.
Cargo often has to be distributed among several partially loaded vessels, which increases transportation costs and places an additional burden on German industry.
In particular, due to the drought, the cost of transporting cargo by tanker barges from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe has risen to 145–150 euros per metric ton. At the end of June, this figure stood at about 45 euros per metric ton.
Source: Reuters.
As a reminder, nearly 10,000 people have died in Germany since the beginning of 2026 due to abnormally high temperatures.
A tornado swept through northern Germany on Sunday evening, causing significant damage to local buildings. The storm damaged about 50 homes.
