European rivers hit record lows as new heatwave grips Germany

Germany is experiencing another severe heatwave, with temperatures projected to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius alongside warnings of severe thunderstorms from the German Weather Service.

The prolonged dry spell continues to impact major European waterways, including the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube. Water levels at key locations such as Kaub have dropped to historical lows, severely disrupting commercial shipping. Hydrologists caution that no immediate relief is expected, with the Baden-Württemberg Low Water Information Centre noting that "a sustainable relaxation is currently not in sight." Beyond economic and ecological threats to regional groundwater and ecosystems, the receding waters have exposed historical shipwrecks and ancient fossils along riverbeds.

Sources: DW, Der Spiegel, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau