The river’s average discharge at Lobith in the Netherlands fell to 614 cubic meters per second over the past 24 hours, below the previous record of 620 cubic meters per second recorded in 1947, Anadolu Agency reported.
The timing of the new record is particularly unusual. The previous record was set on Nov. 4, while the Rhine has reached the new low much earlier in the year.
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Jan Verkade, a hydrometeorologist at Deltares and the Dutch water authority Rijkswaterstaat, attributed the decline to exceptionally warm weather and a prolonged lack of rainfall.
The unusually warm spring caused snow in Switzerland to melt about three months earlier than normal, reducing a key source of water for the Rhine. Rainfall has also remained scarce.
The Rhine normally carries around 2,000 cubic meters of water per second at this time of year.
The river is one of Europe’s most important transportation routes, and falling water levels are already disrupting inland shipping. Vessels are being forced to reduce their loads to avoid running aground, while some waterways have been closed.
Germany’s inland shipping association BDB has warned that navigation could become impossible on parts of the Rhine between Koblenz and Mainz if water levels near Kaub fall further.
The drought is also putting pressure on agriculture, industry and ecosystems. Declining water quality and restrictions on water extraction are creating additional difficulties for farmers and market gardeners.
The lowest Rhine discharge ever recorded was 575 cubic meters per second in February 1929, when ice blocked parts of the river. Verkade said the Rhine could potentially fall below that level in the coming weeks.
Climate researchers have warned that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme droughts across Europe while also contributing to more intense periods of heavy rainfall.
