Rhine water levels fall causing fears of shipping disruption 

An extended dry spell at the Rhine risks choking Germany's energy supply further, stoking power-price volatility and elevating costs for coal-heavy generators

In the midst of an arid summer that has set heat records across Europe the continent's rivers are evaporating and there's little chance these once-reliable lifelines will quickly rebound as the climate crisis worsens.

The Rhine River on Friday is set to shrivel to a crucial level that could upend the trade of fuels throughout Europe, with the effects potentially rippling through the continent for months.

The water level at Kaub -- a key waypoint west of Frankfurt -- is poised to breach 40 centimetres (15.75 inches) and continue dwindling in subsequent days, according to German government data. Below that marker, it’s not economical for many barges to transit the river.