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Record low: Rhine levels continue to drop in Cologne and surrounding areas

The Rhine has reached historic low levels in Cologne, with forecasts indicating further declines.

11 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Record low: Rhine levels continue to drop in Cologne and surrounding areas — Photo: ToLo46 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

In Cologne, the Rhine has reached a historic low level. According to Der Tagesspiegel, further declines in water levels are expected, meaning there is no relief in sight for the situation.

Der STANDARD reports that current water levels have dropped more than 20 centimeters below the historic lows of 2018 due to the ongoing drought. As a result of the low water levels, ships are forced to operate with significantly less cargo.

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