Rhine Falls to Record Low Levels as Drought Strains Europe’s Rivers

The Rhine has fallen to its lowest ever levels at multiple points in Germany and the Netherlands as prolonged heatwaves continue across Europe. Measurements in Cologne and at Lobith—where the Rhine crosses into the Netherlands—were lower than at any time since records began. Other major rivers, including the Danube and Italy’s Po, have also seen record-low levels. EU drought monitoring warns conditions are critical, with renewed heat expected to last another week.