Elbe River hits record low of 41 centimeters in Magdeburg amid drought

The Elbe River in Magdeburg, Germany, has reached a critical low, with water levels measuring just 41 centimeters on the morning of August 9. This figure represents a new record, surpassing the previous low of 45 centimeters recorded in the summer of 2019.

While the current water level is significantly lower than the historical average, official confirmation of a new record is awaiting detailed analysis. The Information Portal ELWIS, managed by the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, requires precise measurements to be verified before officially updating the record low.

The persistent dry and hot summer weather offers little relief, with forecasts indicating continued arid conditions through the middle of the week. The highest recorded water level at the Magdeburg-Strombrücke gauge was 7.47 meters in the summer of 2013, highlighting the dramatic contrast to the current situation.