Heat and drought continue in NRW – Rhine levels very low

Northern Rhine-Westphalia in Germany is set for another week of hot weather, though temperatures are expected to remain below 32 degrees Celsius for the first few days. While sunshine will dominate on Monday, some clouds may form, with isolated showers possible. The nights will bring some relief, cooling down to between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius.

Tuesday and Wednesday will continue to be dry and warm, with temperatures slightly decreasing. Meteorologists predict a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius, with cooler conditions possible on Wednesday, even reaching 23 degrees Celsius on the Kahlen Asten mountain. The nights during this period are expected to be refreshing.

However, Thursday is anticipated to bring another heatwave, with temperatures likely to reach between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius in most areas. Some locations along the Lower Rhine might experience slightly cooler temperatures, around 26 degrees Celsius.

Compounding the heat is the persistent drought affecting the region. Water levels in the Rhine River remain at historically low points. On Monday, the river's level in Cologne was measured at 62 centimeters, and in Duisburg-Ruhrort at 142 centimeters. Despite a slight increase in recent days, forecasts from the Waterways and Shipping Office Rhine predict a further decline in the coming days.