Extreme Heatwave Drains Poland’s Vistula River

Andrzej Stanski, who manages a cruise company on Poland's Vistula river, has had to change his boat routes due to record low water levels caused by a severe summer heatwave. This hydrological drought is affecting water quality and energy production, with potential risks of flooding in the future.

For Andrzej Stanski, who manages a company organizing cruises on Poland's Vistula River, record low water levels have necessitated route changes. 'We're sailing off the route, because here and there you can simply hit a stone,' he told Reuters. 'The engines cost quite a lot, and it's about the safety of both the passengers and ourselves.'

A scorching summer across much of eastern Europe has drastically reduced the water level in Poland's longest river. In Warsaw, the water level was recorded at 20 centimeters on Wednesday, significantly lower than the previous record low of 26 cm in 2015. Usual depths range between 105 to 250 centimeters, according to data from Poland's Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW).

Hydrologist Jaroslaw Suchozebrski from Warsaw University indicated that Poland is currently in a state of hydrological drought, which has widespread implications. 'We have less and less water at our disposal, which means that water recipients have to approach it a little more rationally... mainly the energy industry. Our energy production is based on cooling processes using water,' he told Reuters. 'The second concern is the water quality, as lower river flow reduces the dilution of pollutants.'

Private Radio RMF reported the discovery of dozens of dead fish in the southern stretches of the Vistula River, highlighting the severe ecological impact.

Weather forecasts predict heavy rainfall in the coming days, which may cause the river levels to rise rapidly, posing risks of transitioning from drought to sudden flooding, as noted by Suchozebrski. Other central and eastern European nations, including Hungary, also face steep declines in river levels, presenting serious challenges for agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)