As demand for overnight river cruises on the Mississippi River increases, the industry faces wild swings between heavy rainfall and severe drought, making it tougher to navigate.
Low water levels forced cancellations last year, and climate experts fear that may happen again as it shapes up to be another dry summer, according to experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The most intense drought conditions are happening in the Midwest and the upper Mississippi River, during what should be the rainiest season.
Worsening drought upriver is raising red flags for the lower Mississippi, which relies on the Ohio River basin for about 60% of its flow. At St. Louis, the Mississippi is 10 feet below average.
Low river levels could bring a cascade of challenges for ships and barges on the Mississippi River. (The Daily Memphian 07/10/23) Flood, drought threats for Mississippi riverboat industry | Environment | nola.com
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