Rain lifts Rhine and Meuse flows, but drought effects persist

Rain over the past two weeks has increased flows in the Rhine and Meuse, but the rivers remain unusually low for the time of year, Rijkswaterstaat says. The effects of this summer’s prolonged drought are still affecting shipping, nature and water quality in the Netherlands.

Cargo traffic to and from Germany remains well below normal, while restrictions on navigation depth and longer waits at locks continue, according to the Dutch water authority.

Autumn storms are increasing the risk of higher coastal water levels. Combined with low river flows, that raises the risk of saltwater intrusion in the Rhine-Meuse delta and IJsselmeer. Groundwater levels also remain below normal, particularly in higher-lying areas in the south, centre and east of the country.