Danube River flow to rise slightly before returning to 1,500 m³/s; remains well below average

The Danube River's flow at Romania's entry point is expected to see a minor increase in the initial days of the week, reaching approximately 1,600 cubic meters per second (m³/s). However, this rise is temporary, with the flow predicted to begin decreasing again and settle around 1,500 m³/s by September 4, according to forecasts from the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA).

These projected levels are starkly below the typical figures for this time of year. The multi-annual average flow for the Danube in August is around 3,900 m³/s, and in September, it averages about 3,800 m³/s. The anticipated flow of 1,500 m³/s in early September represents less than half of the monthly average, highlighting a persistent deficit.

The INHGA's projections indicate that the reduced flow is not an isolated, short-term event. For August, the institute estimated maximum flows of 2,000 m³/s and minimums of 1,450 m³/s. The figures for September are forecasted to range between 2,500 m³/s and 1,600 m³/s, with the September 4th estimate falling near the lower end of this range.

This situation mirrors a wider hydrological trend across Romania, where many rivers are experiencing below-average flows. In August, hydrological conditions are generally expected to be between 30% and 50% of the monthly multi-annual averages across the country. While some river basins, like those of the Prahova, upper Ialomița, and upper Buzău, show higher percentages (50%-80%), numerous others, including the Crasna, Barcău, Crișul Repede, Crișul Negru, Crișul Alb, Bârlad, Râmnicu Sărat, upper Siret, and tributaries of the Prut, are projected to be below 30% of their averages.