Rhine River Falls to Near 36-Year Low as European Heat Wave Disrupts Coal and Fuel Shipments
A heat wave gripping Europe has pushed the Rhine River to near-record low water levels, disrupting coal, fuel and commodity shipments while severe thunderstorms trigger flash flood warnings and other hazards across parts of the United States.
Rhine River Levels Drop to Near Historic Lows
Water levels at the Rhine's key Kaub chokepoint have fallen to 28 cm, the lowest since 2018, and could reach 24 cm on Friday, the lowest in data back to 1990. [2] The river snakes roughly 800 miles from Switzerland to the North Sea and carries resources including coal, oil products, iron ore plus goods in containers. [2] Heat waves gripping Europe have created a bottleneck for the delivery of coal and fuels inland while raising shipping costs. [2] The falling levels on the Rhine are already disrupting freight along this vital waterway. [2] Water levels at Kaub, a key chokepoint for shipments heading to southern Germany and Switzerland, have already fallen to 28 centimeters according to German federal data. [2] Forecasts show the barge clearance level could decline even more this week potentially reaching 24 centimeters on Friday which would be the lowest in data going back to 1990. [2]
Rising Shipping Costs and Coal Supply Impacts
The low levels have increased shipping costs with the price to ship diesel from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe at its highest since 2009 and have cut barge loadings of coal inland by three-quarters. [2] The cost to ship diesel from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe further inland from the closely watched Kaub chokepoint has climbed to the highest since Bloomberg began compiling the data in 2009. [2] Inventories of the fuel at ports in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub have risen about 75% since the spring according to DBX Commodities Ltd while barge loadings to move those supplies inland have been cut by three-quarters. [2] The disruption is also showing up in coal logistics and supplies. [2] “The Rhine has effectively locked the door on inland coal delivery and Rotterdam is where the trucks are queuing up” DBX Commodities chief executive officer Alexandre Claude said. [2] “With every centimeter it’s getting more difficult” said Florian Krekel at Germany’s WSV which manages the country’s waterways. [2]
Forecast Heat Wave Offers No Immediate Relief
Europe faces another heat wave this week with temperatures in Frankfurt forecast to reach 39C and little rainfall expected. [2] The situation is unlikely to improve soon with Europe facing another heat wave. [2] Temperatures in Frankfurt are forecast to reach as high as 39C on Thursday according to Atmospheric G2 while little rainfall is expected in the coming days. [2] “There’s no rain in sight” said Florian Krekel at Germany’s WSV. [2] As well as impacting water networks the heat and dryness that have hit the continent this year have stressed power systems strained public health services and caused major wildfires. [2] The heat and dryness continue to affect broader energy supplies and logistics across the region. [2]
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Ohio and West Virginia
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for parts of southeastern Ohio and West Virginia until 10:00 AM EDT due to thunderstorms producing 1-2 inches of heavy rain. [1] The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Southern Gallia County in southeastern Ohio Southern Jackson County in southeastern Ohio Central Lawrence County in southeastern Ohio North Central Cabell County in central West Virginia and West Central Mason County in western West Virginia until 1000 AM EDT. [1] At 659 AM EDT Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area between 1 and 2 inches of rain. [1] The warning covers multiple counties across southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia where heavy rainfall has created flash flood conditions. [1]
Severe Thunderstorm Threatens Southern Arizona
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Pima County Arizona with 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail threatening vehicle and property damage. [4] At 242 AM MST a severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles west of Three Points moving northwest at 25 mph. [4] Hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail with the source listed as radar indicated. [4] Impact includes hail damage to vehicles expected along with wind damage to roofs siding and trees. [4] Locations impacted include Three Points San Pedro and Pan Tak along with highways Route 86 between mile markers 131 and 152 and Route 286 between mile markers 34 and 45. [4]
Flood Warnings Lifted in Western New York
Flash flood warnings for Niagara and Cattaraugus counties in New York have been canceled as flood waters receded. [3] Flood waters have receded in Niagara County with flooding no longer expected to pose a threat though residents should continue to heed remaining road closures. [3] Flood waters have receded in Cattaraugus County with flooding no longer expected to pose a threat and residents should continue to heed any remaining road closures. [5] The cancellations follow earlier warnings for the two western New York counties after waters receded. [3]
What to watch next: Europe faces another heat wave this week with temperatures in Frankfurt forecast to reach 39C and little rainfall expected while water levels at the Rhine's key Kaub chokepoint could reach 24 cm on Friday.
