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The River Rhine falls to lowest ever level as drought hits Europe

An aerial view as a cargo ship passes a huge exposed sandbar on the Rhine River.Getty Images

This summer's long heatwaves aren't just affecting the UK. They are impacting lots of other countries too.

In Europe, the River Rhine - which runs through six different countries - has fallen to incredibly low levels in some areas of Germany and the Netherlands.

Last week when the water levels were tested, it was at its lowest point since records began.

The river banks of the Rhine dried up. Where water should be there is dry rocks. In the distance there is cargo ships on the strip of water.Reuters

The low levels of water in the Rhine is causing concern because it's one of the busiest waterways in Europe.

Lots of companies use the river to ship products from one area to another.

Less water in the river means it is harder for boats to travel down it, which could impact the amount of money people and companies can make.

For example, boats might to be smaller, or made lighter by spreading the cargo across more vessels, so they can move safely through the shallower water.

This might mean it costs more to transport things, which could then mean higher prices for customers.

Map of central and western Europe highlighting three major rivers and nearby cities. Germany, Hungary and Italy are shaded and labeled, with the Rhine River marked through western Germany near Bonn, the Danube River running through Hungary near Budapest, and the Po River crossing northern Italy near Turin.

But it's not just the River Rhine that has been hit by drought.

Other major European rivers have also seen record low levels, including the Danube, which flows through 10 countries, and Italy's Po river.

Experts believe the heatwave conditions will carry on for at least another week, with temperatures reaching higher than 40C in some central and southern European countries.