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Heat wave in Kassel: risk of forest fires rises to the highest alert level!
Kassel is preparing for a heat wave with temperatures over 30 degrees. The risk of forest fires is increasing, the highest warning level 5 is expected.
Heat wave in Kassel: risk of forest fires rises to the highest alert level!
Starting next weekend, a heat wave will roll over Germany and bring summery temperatures, and Kassel and northern Hesse will not be spared either. Forecasts show that temperatures over 30 degrees are expected in the next few days, and to summarize the saying “It's getting hot, but it stays dry”: the weather is at its best. As the Hessian/Lower Saxony General reported, there is no reason to relax because the risk of forest fires is increasing rapidly.
From July 1st, the highest warning level of the forest fire danger index (WBI) will be reached in some regions. In large parts of northern Hesse, warning level 4 has also been determined, which means that the risk of forest fires increases significantly. The WBI is an important tool that helps state authorities identify risks and issue appropriate warnings. This classification is made into five levels, ranging from “very low risk” (level 1) to “very high risk” (level 5), as shown Weather Hazards Portal clarified.
High risk of forest fires
Various factors contribute to increasing WBI, such as strong winds, low humidity and intense sunlight. These are likely to occur in the coming days and therefore forest and nature lovers should be careful. But there is also a bright spot: a cold front is expected on July 3rd, which could bring precipitation and probably reduce the risk of forest fires.
As a reminder: In 2023 there was already a major forest fire in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park with an area of around 1,500 square meters. But the overall frequency of these incidents appears to be decreasing. According to the Forestry Ministry, the number of forest fires in Hesse has fallen: from 264 fires in 2022 to just 25 in 2024.
Forest fire danger index in Hesse
Here are some current values for the forest fire danger index (WBI) for various stations in Hesse:
| station | WBI values |
|---|---|
| Wesertal-Lippoldsberg | 3, 4, 4, 4, 3 |
| Twistetal-Mühlhausen | 3, 3, 4, 4, 3 |
| Schauburg-Elgershausen | 3, 3, 4, 4, 3 |
| Eschwege | 3, 3, 4, 4, 3 |
A current assessment of the forest fire danger index is crucial, as the local assessment by the German Weather Service may differ from the WBI values. It is important to mention that the data is updated daily in order to adequately inform the authorities and the public. More information can be found on the state forest authorities' websites, such as on the website German Weather Service.
With the upcoming hot weather and the associated risk of forest fires, leisure activities will probably also be affected. So, if you are planning a barbecue evening outdoors or are planning a trip into nature, you should be aware of the increased risk of fire. Safety comes first and it is wise to pay attention.