European heatwave drives Rhine to historic low and sparks severe weather warnings

The persistent heatwave across Europe continues as meteorologists forecast temperatures peaking up to 39 degrees Celsius across Germany. According to the German Weather Service, the extreme heat will be accompanied by severe thunderstorms and heightened wildfire risks, particularly near border regions.

Major European waterways, including the Rhine and Danube, remain at historic low levels. At the Kaub gauge station in Germany, water levels reached their lowest point since 1880, disrupting commercial shipping, threatening drinking water reserves, and endangering river ecosystems. The receding waters have also exposed long-submerged historic shipwrecks and prehistoric remains along exposed riverbeds.

Forecasters expect high temperatures to persist through the weekend, maintaining pressure on local infrastructure.

Sources: DW, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau