River Flow
River discharge vs its typical level
What is it?
River discharge is the volume of water passing a river cross-section each second. Comparing today's model value against the long-run median shows whether the river is running high, normal or low — context for flood awareness and water availability alike.
How we measure it
Daily river discharge (m³/s) for the nearest river grid cell from the GloFAS hydrological model via Open-Meteo's flood API, alongside its climatological median. Model output — explicitly not an official flood rating. Coastal and urban points without a river cell simply have no data.
Discharge vs median — reading the ratio
- < 0.5× medianWell belowLow flow — drought stress possible
- 0.5–1.5× medianNear typicalNormal seasonal behaviour
- 1.5–3× medianAbove typicalRiver running high — stay aware
- > 3× medianWell aboveElevated flood potential — heed official warnings
Within safe range
Near the median, the river is behaving normally for the season — riverside activity carries only its usual care.
Beyond the range
Well above median, rivers rise fast and unpredictably: banks erode, low crossings submerge, and currents strengthen far beyond swimming ability. Well below median signals drought stress for irrigation and supply. Either extreme means checking official local hydrological services — this model is context, not a warning system.
Precautions
- Never camp or park in dry riverbeds — upstream rain arrives without local warning.
- High flow: keep children and vehicles away from banks and causeways.
- Treat this as context only; follow your official flood agency for warnings.
- Low flow: expect water-use restrictions; report illegal extraction.