Heat wave brings highest risk of forest fires – Germany on alert!

Heat wave brings highest risk of forest fires – Germany on alert!

Germany is experiencing an oppressive heat wave that will make us sweat a lot over the next few days. On Monday we can expect a temperature range between 30 and 35 degrees. It will be particularly crisp on Wednesday, where the thermometers could even show highs of 37 or 38 degrees. The forecast suggests that the heat will continue until Thursday, where we can also expect possible thunderstorms. And Friday at least brings a little relief, with cooler temperatures around 25 degrees. But be careful: this persistent warmth also brings with it a serious danger.

The danger of forest fires is the topic of the moment. In view of the prolonged drought, numerous regions, including Wittenberg in Saxony-Anhalt, have reached the highest danger level 5. An alarming level 4 also applies in parts of Thuringia. The situation in Saxony is worrying, where an increase to level 4 or even 5 is also expected. In Central Germany, the population and the fire brigade must constantly be prepared for possible forest fires, according to MDR.

A drought summer is on the horizon

The weather appears to be turning into a drought, which we could soon see as one of the most prominent features of summer 2025. According to fr.de, there is no widespread rain phase in sight in the next two weeks and soil moisture continues to dwindle. A shocking 2.8 degrees above the long-term average for June makes it clear that this summer we may be reminded of the drought year of 2003 or 2018. June 2025 could be one of the driest and warmest on record.

The combination of extreme heat and prolonged drought not only increases the risk of fires, but also impacts nature. Dried soil and yellowed grass are just some of the visible consequences, and water levels in rivers are falling dramatically. Forests are showing symptoms of stress, and increased ozone pollution can be expected in many cities. The first small forest fires have already been reported and the fire departments are on heightened alert.

Heat records in Europe

We are not alone in our heat wave. A look across the border into southern Europe shows that countries like Spain and Portugal are already experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. A heat record of 46 degrees was even set in El Granado, and heat alarms and health warnings are commonplace in other Spanish cities. The situation is also tense in Greece and Italy - temperatures there remain just as high as here, and forest fires have already broken out in some regions. The Süddeutsche reports on the massive difficulties caused by the heat, which also affects shipping on the Rhine, as cargo ships can only sail half-loaded.

The coming weeks could pose a real challenge for Germany if we don't experience a fundamental change in the weather soon. So stay alert and enjoy the few cooler temperatures Friday could bring us!