Heat and drought: Saxony-Anhalt in the forest fire threat zone

Heat and drought: Saxony-Anhalt in the forest fire threat zone

The reserved summer heat in Saxony-Anhalt will remain an issue in the coming days. According to the forecasts of the German Weather Service in Leipzig, pleasant temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius will continue to be expected next week. These temperatures are ideal for visiting the outdoor pools or spending time outdoors. However, as so often with weather forecasts, higher values are already announced in the middle of the week, which could be up to 33 degrees Celsius. The nights are comparatively mild, the values fall on a pleasant 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, but the rain continues.

The combination of persistent drought and high temperatures leads to a worrying situation: the risk of forest fire has risen to the highest level in six regions of the country. This applies in particular to the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district, the city of Dessau-Roßlau and the Düben-Heide near Wittenberg, where the most dangerous warning levels have already been proclaimed. The rest of Saxony-Anhalt is in warning levels three and four, which reinforces the general susceptibility to fires.

Need for action at European level

The need for more precise predictions is of significant importance, especially at this time in order to be able to react in time. In this way, measures could be taken to warn the population and, if necessary, develop prevention measures. Better access to meteorological information could also help the affected regions to better assess and alleviate risks.

• temperatures remain between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius
• Expectation of maximum values up to 33 degrees Celsius
• Risk of forest fire in six regions at the highest level
• evacuation plans and emergency scenarios are in conversation
• Possible support from the European Parliament

Not only Saxony-Anhalt is affected by this situation. Various regions in Europe experience similar weather conditions, with the allocation of danger levels an important instrument in order to be able to react to the risks in good time. A look into the future shows that climate change plays a role that could bring such extreme weather conditions over the years.

The scientists warn that the increase in such weather events is not just a temporary phenomenon, but could be a new reality that has to be heard more in public and political discussion. The linking of climate policy and weather forecasts is becoming more and more urgent.

A look at developments in the weather conditions

The sustainable drought and heat that affects many areas in Germany and Europe draws attention to the need for a more intensive examination of the consequences of climate change. Agriculture and forestry in particular face challenges that have to be adapted to meet the requirements of changing nature. Preventive measures and legislative support could help to protect both nature and the affected citizens.

The warnings of weather services and the political results from these developments are crucial in order to be able to make quick and effective decisions. The role of the EU as a uniform actor in the crisis management will be of fundamental importance. One should not forget that cooperation beyond national borders is necessary to find solutions that encounter the challenges of climate change.

Influence of the climate crisis on the weather extreme

The current drought in Saxony-Anhalt is an example of the increasing weather extreme, which are reinforced worldwide by climate change. Scientific studies show that global temperatures have increased in recent decades, which leads to more common and more intensive heat waves. According to the world climate (IPCC), the European summer has changed significantly in recent decades, whereby the average temperatures have increased by 1.5 degrees Celsius (see IPCC).

These changes not only affect agriculture, but also increase the risks of forest fires. The vegetation becomes more susceptible to fires, especially in dry regions, since the roots are weakened by lack of water. The combination of heat, drought and strong wind creates ideal conditions for the development and spread of forest fires.

measures to reduce risk

In order to counter the risks of forest fires, various federal states have developed emergency plans in Germany. These plans include preventive measures such as the establishment of entry banks in particularly endangered forest areas and the regulation of fire bans. The Waldschutzbund has published reports that show that improved reforestation and maintenance of the forests can be decisive in order to increase the resistance of the forests.

The promotion of training programs for firefighters and volunteers in forest areas also represents an important measure. Events and workshops that strengthen the skills of the emergency services can increase the response time during outbreaks and thus minimize the damage.

Current statistics on the risk of forest fire

According to the annual report 2022 of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV), in Germany there was over 20,000 hectares of forest in 2021, which were damaged by fires. This number represents a significant increase compared to previous years. The report also points out that summer 2022 has been one of the driest since the beginning of the weather records, which could further increase the risk of forest fires in the coming years (see DFV).

The planning and implementation of targeted measures for observation and reaction to forest fire is crucial to minimize the catastrophic effects of forest fires in the future. A timely warning of the population and the provision of information about the danger levels are to be regarded as indispensable.