Prolonged drought and extreme heat across Central and Eastern Europe have driven the Danube to record-low levels in multiple gauges as of early August 2026, disrupting navigation, tourism, and energy infrastructure while exposing riverbed features. Trader sentiment remains closely balanced because near-term meteorological forecasts show variable precipitation chances through autumn, with no dominant signal for rapid hydrological recovery versus continued evaporation and low inflows. Seasonal patterns historically allow rebound from late-summer rains, yet repeated dry spells in recent years have extended low-water periods into fall. Heavy, widespread rainfall or cooler temperatures could accelerate normalization before mid-September, while sustained heat or sparse precipitation would favor extension past October or into November.