What happened
On September 9, Budapest's water authority reported on social media that the water level of the Danube in Budapest had dropped to 0 cm on that day.
The authority clarified that the 0 cm reading does not represent the depth of the river. The gauge at Vigadó Square has a 0 cm mark corresponding to an altitude of 94.97 meters above Baltic Sea level.
This zero level aligns with the historical low water level of the Danube in Budapest, set in 1943 based on the lowest recorded water level from the 1834 dry period.
Why it matters
The 0 cm reading is a reference point, not an indication of the river's actual water content. Even negative readings would not mean the Danube has dried up.
Understanding this gauge system is crucial for interpreting water level reports and assessing drought conditions accurately.
Key facts
The water level of the Danube in Budapest reached 0 cm on September 9.
The 0 cm mark corresponds to an altitude of 94.97 meters above Baltic Sea level.
The zero level was set in 1943 based on the lowest water level recorded in 1834.
What to watch next
Future water level reports will indicate whether levels continue to drop below 0 cm, which would still not imply the river is dry.
Observers may track the gauge readings to understand long-term hydrological trends in the region.
