Rhine water levels to surge with rainfall

London, (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) - Water levels on the Rhine, Europe's second-longest river used to transport many commodities, are due to surge over the next few days, helped by above-average rainfall.

At Kaub, a key chokepoint near many of Germany's industries, water height was 2.6 metres at the time of writing, near the top of the five-year range for the time of year.

Water levels are likely to rise further to about 3.2 metres by 21 May.

At these levels, the circulation of barges on the river will be normal, ensuring plenty of resupply from Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp.

It has rained around 3.7 mm per day so far in May at stations along the river, more than double May 2020's total and well above the historical average.

There is rain in the forecast for the next eight days in a row.

Temperatures have been below average every month since the start of the year, and are due to remain low until the end of May.

In addition, snow cover at high altitude stations in the Alps remains relatively high for the time of year, ensuring that the Rhine continues to be well fed over the next few weeks.