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Rhine & Danube Hit Record Lows Amid Heatwave
14 Aug
Summary
- Rhine and Danube rivers at lowest levels since 1880 records began.
- Kaub gauge shows 12cm depth, a sharp drop from 2018's record.
- Navigable Rhine could split in two if water levels drop further.
Western Europe is grappling with its fifth heatwave of the year, leading to unprecedentedly low water levels in the Rhine and Danube rivers. As of August 14, 2026, these vital waterways have reached their lowest points since official records commenced in 1880.
The Rhine, crucial for EU freight traffic, is particularly affected. Its depth at the Kaub gauge, a key benchmark, has fallen to a mere 12cm. This is a stark contrast to the previous record of 25cm set during the 2018 drought. Shipping authorities warn that the navigable section of the Rhine could be split in two if levels drop into single digits in the coming days.
The economic implications are significant, as the Rhine handles two-thirds of the EU's inland waterway freight and over 99% of its waterborne container transport. The Danube also carries a substantial portion of EU freight, approximately 8%. The ongoing drought poses a serious threat to this essential infrastructure.
