Heat wave threatens: risk of forest fires in northern Hesse increases dramatically!

Heat wave threatens: risk of forest fires in northern Hesse increases dramatically!

Summer is just around the corner, and with it a heat wave is looming over Germany. From the weekend onwards, Kassel and northern Hesse will also be affected by temperatures above 30 degrees, although the weather will remain dry. As of June 28th at 1:07 p.m., the German Weather Service (DWD) has not yet issued an official warning, but the first meteorological trends are clearly visible. HNA reports that the risk of forest fires in Hesse is increasing at the same time, with the highest warning level 5 expected to be reached in some regions as early as July 1st.

The current situation requires the utmost attention, because warning level 4 of the forest fire danger index (WBI) has been reached in large parts of northern Hesse. This index, divided into five levels from 1 (very low danger) to 5 (very high danger), takes into account several factors that increase the risk of forest fires: strong winds, low humidity and intense sunlight. The existence of these conditions can quickly lead to critical situations, which is why the DWD and other specialist agencies are monitoring the situation closely.

Forest fire danger index and its relevance

The forest fire danger index is collected for various federal states and regions in Germany. The data obtained makes it possible to make a more precise assessment of the risk of forest fires. The index for Hesse shows that several stations will reach warning levels of 3 to 4 in the coming period. These include, for example, Wesertal-Lippoldsberg andSchauburg-Elgershausen, where an increase in drought is also expected. Weatherhazards.de has published relevant indices that illustrate the development of this dangerous situation.

It is important to note that most forest fires in Germany occur primarily in spring and summer, with a tendency to increase in cases in late summer. Experts have identified a connection with climate change and are drawing attention to the threat of extreme weather conditions, which are also expected to increase in the future. Loud FNR Regions with sandy, dry soils such as Brandenburg are particularly susceptible to forest fires, while leafy mixed forests such as in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg tend to be less affected.

Outlook for the coming days

A bright spot on the horizon could be the cold front that could arrive on July 3rd and bring precipitation with it. These would be a welcome relief that would not only reduce temperatures but also likely reduce the excessive risk of wildfires. In 2023 there was already a major forest fire in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, which affected around 1,500 square meters of area. The numbers show that the trend in 2024 was significantly better with only 25 forest fires reported than in 2022 with 264 fires, which gives hope for a positive development.

However, the coming days need to be watched closely. In view of the expected high temperatures and the associated risk of forest fires, both professionals and the public should remain vigilant. This is the only way to ensure that both nature and the quality of life of people in the affected areas remain protected.