Rhine River falls to record low levels as drought hits Europe

Water levels on the Rhine River reached a record low this week as a drought continued to strain major rivers across Europe.

Officials measured the Rhine at 77 centimeters, or about 30 inches, at the Kaub gauging station in Germany on Thursday. That broke the previous low set in 2018.

The drop has slowed barge traffic that carries coal, chemicals, grain and other goods between Rotterdam and cities in Germany and Switzerland. Shipping companies have reduced loads so vessels do not scrape the river bottom. Some operators have canceled trips.

The Danube in eastern Europe and the Po in northern Italy have also fallen to unusually low levels. The low water has limited cooling water for power plants and reduced output at hydroelectric stations.

French officials said nuclear plants along rivers have cut production because river water is too warm to use for cooling. Similar limits have hit plants in Germany.

Farmers in the region have reported damage to crops from the lack of rain. Parts of northern Italy have seen the Po drop so low that people can walk across sections that are normally underwater.

Meteorologists said high pressure over Europe has blocked rain systems for weeks. Temperatures have stayed above average across much of the continent.

German transport authorities are monitoring the situation daily. They have set up temporary buoys and markers to help captains navigate the shallow sections.

Barge operators said they are shifting some cargo to trains and trucks, but those options cost more and add to road congestion. The Rhine normally carries about 10 percent of Germany's freight.

Authorities do not expect significant rain in the next 10 days. Water levels could fall further before the weather pattern changes.