Heatwaves push Europe’s rivers to record lows, straining transport and power

The Rhine has fallen to record low water levels at multiple points in Germany and the Netherlands amid ongoing heatwaves, with the Danube and Po also at historic lows. Low water threatens inland shipping, raises transport costs, and disrupts cooling for power plants (notably Hungary’s nuclear facility). Saltwater intrusion and higher water demand risk drinking water and irrigation across Europe. While a World Weather Attribution study found no clear long-term rainfall trend, higher temperatures are increasing evaporation and drought risk due to climate change.