Alert: Severe Heat Advisories Expanded Across Much of Germany
Germany is gearing up for a scorching week, with meteorologists predicting temperatures to soar above 30°C across the country. The intense heatwave, a result of a persistent and powerful heat dome over Europe, is expected to peak on Wednesday with temperatures reaching up to 39°C.
The heat dome, a weather phenomenon that traps hot air under a strong area of high pressure, is responsible for the current heatwave. This meteorological condition prevents cooler air from entering and warm air from rising, leading to increased temperatures at the surface.
Meteorologists warn that people in Hamburg should prepare for temperatures of 36°C in the middle of the week, with the Ruhr area seeing temperatures around 39°C. The southwest of Germany will reach temperatures of 37°C on Tuesday, while Hesse and Lower Saxony could also see extreme temperatures on Wednesday. Parts of Baden-Württemberg, the Saarland, and western Hesse may see the highest temperatures, with possible 40°C in Berlin and Dresden.
The ongoing drought in Germany has amplified the effects of the heatwave. The dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires, with the DWD expecting the risk to reach the highest or second highest level by Wednesday in many regions. The ongoing drought has also led to a ban on water extraction from surface waters in several regions of Germany. Brandenburg is particularly at risk, with the state environment ministry issuing the highest risk level for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Elbe-Elster, and Teltow-Fläming.
The current heatwave is not just an isolated event but a reflection of the broader impact of climate change. The rising global temperatures due to climate change have set the stage for more frequent and intense heatwaves. The heatwave in Germany is influenced by several key factors, including climate change, high-pressure systems, dry conditions and drought, warm sea surface temperatures, and the timing and duration of the heatwave.
As the heatwave continues, the DWD warns of "severe heat stress" when temperatures feel above 32°C (with little cooling at night) and "extreme heat stress," when the temperature rises above 38°C. Severe or extreme heat stress can have health risks, especially for older people and young children. Churches and museums are advised as suitable places to escape the heat during the afternoon.
It's important to note that the highest temperature ever recorded in Germany is 41.2°C, measured on July 25th 2019. However, temperatures are unlikely to fall below 20°C at night during the heatwave, making it challenging for the country to cool down naturally.
As Germany and Europe face this intense heatwave, it serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
[1] NOAA. (2021). Climate Change: Global Warming. Retrieved from https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-warming
[2] European Environment Agency. (2021). Heatwaves in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/climate/indicators/data/heatwaves-in-europe/heatwaves-in-europe-indicator
The current heatwave in Germany, influenced by climate change, is a reflection of environmental science and a trend of increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to global warming (climate change). Meteorologists predict that the ongoing drought in Germany, which has amplified the effects of the heatwave, could lead to extreme temperatures that pose health risks, particularly in the realm of climate-change studies.
