Dormouse Day: Warning of extreme heat waves in summer 2025!

Dormouse Day: Warning of extreme heat waves in summer 2025!

June 27th is a date traditionally celebrated in the country of farmers as Dormouse Day. This day has a fascinating history and is often used to forecast the weather for the remaining weeks of summer. The background to this is the old farmer's rule: "However the weather behaves for the dormouse, it will be fine for seven weeks." But from a meteorological point of view, experts like ARD weather expert Marcel Herber warn that the forecast for the entire summer is subject to a certain degree of uncertainty, as long-term weather forecasts are anything but reliable. However, according to the latest information from SWR, a heat wave is expected to last from Dormouse Day until the middle of next week as temperatures rise in Germany SWR.

What is particularly striking is the fact that June 2023 in Germany was already two degrees warmer than the average for the years 1991 to 2020. Meteorologists expect a similar development for the summer of 2025, with temperatures at the end of June often between 25 and 32 degrees, and in southern Europe even over 35 degrees WA. Rain remains in short supply, and local thunderstorms could offer the only chance for some cooling. The worrying drought could spread across large parts of Germany and lead to heat stress and health problems - a circumstance that is particularly dangerous for risk groups.

The dormice and his legend

The dormouse (Glis glis) itself is quite an interesting animal. This nocturnal rodent can live up to nine years and weighs up to 200 grams. The exact origin of the term “dormouse” goes back to a legend about seven brothers who were walled up alive during the persecution of Christians and only woke up 200 years later. Dormouse Day is actually anchored in July 7th, but due to the calendar reform of 1582 it is now celebrated on June 27th, a tradition that remains until July 10th SWR.

And what about the future? Experts say summer 2025 may be one of the hottest since weather records began in 1881. WA says the potential consequences of prolonged heat are serious: increased ozone levels and a high number of heat-related deaths, which have risen by around 30 percent in Europe over the past two decades. Urban areas are particularly affected, as they heat up more during heat waves Tagesschau.

Conclusion and outlook

The coming summer months could present a tough challenge for both those who love the heat and those who are sensitive to the weather. The German Weather Service also warns against assessing the weather solely on the basis of Dormouse Day, as the weather situation for the end of June and beginning of July is crucial and variable. A heat wave is on the horizon, while uncertainty remains noticeable in the weather forecast for the start of the holidays on July 7th. So it will be interesting to see how things develop and hopefully stay well prepared for the coming weeks!