In the town of Rousse, the Danube fell to 57 centimetres (23 inches) below ground level on Saturday, a 10-centimetre drop since the previous day, Bulgarian river services said.

The previous lowest record was reached in 1992, when the waters in Rousse sank 55 centimetres beneath ground level.

In Silistra, also in the northeast, the Danube hit its lowest level this year, to 10 centimetres below ground, national radio reported.

Sailing on the Bulgarian part of the Danube, one of Europe's longest waterways, has been restricted because of the low water levels.

The government introduced limitations on ship size and cargo tonnage this month, which have damaged the profits of river transport operators.

Much of Europe suffered from a searing heat wave and persistant drought throughout the summer months, sparking forest fires and drying out rivers across the continent.

Bulgaria's weather service Saturday said temperatures of up to 41.2 degrees Celsius were recorded in the north of the country on Saturday.

TERRA.WIRE