According to the forecast, the water level of the Elbe River in Dresden will reach a low of 50 centimeters on Wednesday morning (4:00 a.m.)—and is expected to rise slowly thereafter. According to the water level chart from the Saxony State Flood Center, the water level will be 52 centimeters 24 hours later, and 58 centimeters on Friday morning, according to the forecast. Normally, the Elbe averages 1.60 meters at the Dresden gauge. During the once-in-a-century flood of 2002, the level reached 9.40 meters.
Water levels below 50 centimeters have been recorded several times in the past. For the Saxon Steamship Company, low water levels bring restrictions. Currently, only one route within the city limits can be operated.
However, anyone who thinks they can wade across the Elbe given the low water level is mistaken. According to experts, the water in the navigation channel is still about 1.70 to 1.80 meters deep. In addition, there is a strong current there, making a crossing risky.
Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
