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Main River Water Levels Outlook, Week of August 11, 2025

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3 min read
Alte Brücke spanning the deep aqua Main River, Frankfurt skyline beyond, blooming red geraniums in a riverside planter, modern glass fiber texture overlay, bright midday sun and crisp shadows.

Main levels are steady for midsummer, with the Würzburg gauge reading about 5.0 ft (1.51 m) at 03:00 on August 11 local time, well below any flood thresholds. 1 A hot pattern over Bavaria with only isolated afternoon storms, including along the lower Main, favors small day-to-day wiggles rather than sharp swings this week. 2 Travelers should verify pier times and lock notes 3 to 5 days before departure, and consider a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade if extra flexibility matters. 7

Current Conditions

Primary gauge: Würzburg (Pegel Würzburg). 5.0 ft (1.51 m) at 03:00 on August 11, normal range data unavailable. Risk level Normal between Frankfurt and Bamberg, supported by lock-and-weir regulation on the Main and today's low stage far below warning marks. 1,3

Seven-Day Outlook

Chart unavailable. For August 11 to 17, the Würzburg forecast envelope sits roughly 4.3 to 5.6 ft (1.30 to 1.70 m), implying modest day-to-day variation, while the regional outlook calls for hot, mostly dry weather with only isolated thunderstorms. Risk call for the next 7 days: Normal. 1,2

Three-Week Risk Forecast

PeriodLikelihood of DisruptionConfidence
Days 1 to 7NormalHigh
Days 8 to 14NormalMedium
Days 15 to 21NormalLow

The Main functions as a lock-and-weir waterway with 34 impounded reaches and centralized control, which supports stable navigation in summer unless a persistent frontal train sets up. Expect gradually rising uncertainty into late August as heat and spotty storms trade off. If you want maximum flexibility, remember CFAR policies have strict purchase windows and reimburse only part of trip cost. 3,2,7

Traveler Advice

If you are already booked, plan on Normal sailing between Frankfurt, Wertheim, Würzburg, and Bamberg. Still watch your line's pre-departure emails or app messages for minor timing tweaks around locks, which operators handle locally when levels drift but itineraries remain intact.

If you are shopping near term, schedule shore days normally and build a little buffer around coach departures for lock transits. Pack for heat, carry water, and expect brief pop-up showers rather than a basin-wide rain event.

Looking beyond three weeks, keep expectations steady but practical. If you want extra flexibility, compare policies early and consider a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade soon after your first payment, since eligibility windows are strict and reimbursement is partial. 7

Methodology

We use Bavaria's flood service for Würzburg's observed and forecast stages, WSV ELWIS and PEGELONLINE for shipping-relevant gauges and data access, BfG's 31-day station plots for context, and DWD guidance for weather, converting meters to feet with standard factors. 1,5,8,4,2

Disclaimer

Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.

Sources

  1. Bavaria HND, Würzburg gauge, observed and forecast range
  2. DWD, Bavaria regional forecast, heat and isolated storms, lower Main
  3. Federal Transport Ministry, WSA Main overview, 34 staustufen and control centers
  4. BfG Undine, Würzburg station, recent 31-day charts
  5. ELWIS, shipping-relevant gauges list, Main river
  6. ELWIS, Water level information and forecast notes
  7. Squaremouth, Cancel For Any Reason basics and timing
  8. WSV PEGELONLINE, REST API user guide and data context