Heat wave hits Germany: up to 39 degrees and risk of forest fires!

Heat wave hits Germany: up to 39 degrees and risk of forest fires!

One of the hottest weeks of the year is approaching in Germany. Meteorologists are predicting temperatures of up to 39 degrees for the coming days, with the hottest day expected on Wednesday. The German Weather Service (DWD) has already issued a comprehensive heat warning for large parts of the country, including regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland Radio Euskirchen reported.

On Monday, “only” 35 degrees can be expected in the south and around 30 degrees in the northern center, while the north has to be content with 25 degrees. But that's just the foretaste. Already on Tuesday it will be oppressively hot in the west and southwest, with peaks of up to 37 degrees. For Wednesday, meteorologists are forecasting temperatures of over 35 degrees across the board, with local highs of up to 39 degrees possible in some areas.

Lack of water and drought

The extreme heat brings not only personal risks, but also structural challenges. Forest areas in particular are suffering from the ongoing drought. The drought monitor shows alarming values ​​and documents that many forests have already suffered from the heat and drought in recent years. In 2019 alone, an estimated 110,000 hectares of forest area died nationwide, a situation that is being exacerbated by increased global warming LWF Bavaria communicates.

As temperatures rise, the risk of forest fires also increases, especially in vulnerable regions such as southern Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg. In response, many cities have already imposed restrictions on water withdrawal from rivers and lakes and are calling on the population to use water sparingly. The drought monitor, supported by weather data from the German Weather Service, shows the increasing drought in the country and the need for effective water management.

Extreme weather events in Europe

The heat wave in Germany is part of a larger pattern that is affecting all of Europe. A new heat record of 46 degrees was recently recorded for a June day in Spain. Temperatures of over 35 degrees are also expected in France on Monday and even up to 40 degrees in Paris on Tuesday, which could potentially lead to the closure of schools. In neighboring Greece, a heat wave ended with strong winds that dropped temperatures from around 40 degrees to around 30 degrees. Civil defense has declared the highest level of fire danger here, and ferry services had to be suspended due to rough seas.

In view of these extreme weather conditions, it is urgently necessary to adapt one's own behavior. Meteorologists strongly advise avoiding the heat, staying hydrated and keeping indoor spaces as cool as possible. A little precaution and mindfulness can help minimize the health risks of high temperatures, not only for people, but also for nature.

For more information about heat stress and the effects of climate change, visit Climate Health Media Service.