Danger of extreme weather in Karlsruhe: heat wave and heavy rain are threatening!

Danger of extreme weather in Karlsruhe: heat wave and heavy rain are threatening!

On July 10, 2025, we will get a sharp look at the changing weather conditions that have plagued us in recent years. The summer of 2024, which was also known for extreme storms, left tragic marks in the Karlsruhe region. In July 2024 there was a severe storm in Rastatt, in which flooded cellars and weather-related accidents on the A5 led to injuries. Fallen trees not only damaged vehicles, but also blocked roads and hit a residential building.

In August 2024, heavy rain in Bruchsal had devastating effects when around 2,000 cubic meters of destroyed inventory and around 250 tons of mud had to be removed, causing damage estimated at several billion euros. The storm “Kirk” also devastated the region on October 10, 2024 and caused around 45 fire brigade calls as many trees fell down.

The trend towards more extreme weather

If we look into the future, experts show worrying developments. According to weather expert Uwe Schickedanz from the German Weather Service (DWD), summers are increasingly characterized by extreme weather events. An unremarkable start to 2025 was accompanied by a pronounced heat wave in Central Europe that lasted from late June to early July. It is important to emphasize that heat is often underestimated and is considered the greatest threat to life and limb in summer.

Scientific studies show a clear connection between climate change and the increase in extreme weather events. A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reveals that Earth's temperature is rising at its fastest rate in 2,000 years. Extreme weather events such as heavy rain and heat waves are becoming increasingly likely due to global warming. For West Germany, studies show that the probability of heavy rainfall is 1.2 to 9 times increased due to climate change.

Cities under pressure – Karlsruhe is planning measures

The city of Karlsruhe is responding to the impending dangers with a comprehensive overall concept to reduce the risk of heavy rain. This also includes the publication of heavy rain hazard maps in order to better identify areas at risk and take appropriate measures. Behavioral tips that are important in such cases recommend not going into basements or underground garages during heavy rain, but rather moving to higher floors. In addition, precautionary measures such as raising light wells or installing backflow protection should be considered.

The need to adapt to climate change is of great importance for Germany. The German Climate Adaptation Strategy 2024, which was approved in December 2024, sets measurable goals for climate adaptation in Germany. This strategy contains 33 goals to be achieved by 2030 and some by 2050, and will not create additional bureaucratic burdens for citizens or businesses. Securing water resources and strengthening the resilience of water infrastructure are key concerns.

As the experiences of recent years show, adapting to climate change is a challenge that we must face together. The time for precautionary measures is now!

For more information on the effects of climate change on weather patterns and how to adapt to climatic changes, you can read the reports from ka-news.de, wwf.de and bundesumweltministerium.de visit.