Extremely high risk of forest fires in southern Brandenburg - Elevated Chance of Forest Infernos in Southern Brandenburg
Brandenburg, Germany, is set to experience a unique weather pattern over the next two days, as relief from the forest fire risk is anticipated, but the threat of storm gusts and hail remains.
According to the state forestry authority and the German Weather Service (DWD), the northern and northwestern parts of Brandenburg currently face a high to moderate forest fire risk. This risk is due to the ongoing wildfires that have been affecting the region since July 1, 2025, which have thrived in the very dry and hot conditions.
The heatwave gripping much of Germany, including Brandenburg, has seen temperatures soar to as high as 40°C, increasing the risk of forest fires and gale-force winds accompanying thunderstorms. The DWD has warned of gusty winds following thunderstorms, indicating the possibility of storm gusts over the next two days.
While specific forecast details regarding hail were not explicitly found, the presence of thunderstorms associated with the heatwave could imply a chance of hail, although this remains uncertain without more precise weather model data.
Residents are advised to remain alert for weather warnings related to storms and fires due to the ongoing heatwave and current wildfire situation. The DWD expects more showers from Sunday afternoon, with individual thunderstorms in the north of Brandenburg and possible wind gusts outside of thunderstorms.
In a five-level warning system, 12 out of 14 districts in Brandenburg currently have a high to very high forest fire risk warning. The southern and southeastern parts of the state have the highest risk. However, the DWD predicts the forest fire risk to decrease from Monday, with the lowest risk level expected to apply in most regions on Tuesday, except for Oberhavel, where the risk remains low.
Brandenburg, known for its extensive pine forests, low rainfall, and sandy soils, is the federal state with the highest forest fire risk in Germany. The Brandenburg Ministry of the Environment issues these warnings, and the DWD provides the data for the forest fire risk calculation.
The large forest fire in Gohrischheide, near the state border with Saxony, is currently limited to Saxony. Around 560 helpers from various organisations are deployed to fight the forest fire in Meißen, Saxony.
As Brandenburg prepares for potential storms, residents and emergency services are urged to stay vigilant and follow any weather advisories issued by the authorities. The forecast for the next two days indicates very hot and dry conditions with potential thunderstorms bringing gusty winds and an increased wildfire risk. Rainfall is uncertain but possible in the form of thunderstorms, which may also bring strong gusts; hail is a possibility but not confirmed in the available data.
- The community policy in Brandenburg, Germany, should emphasize the importance of environmental science, considering the ongoing wildfires and the high forest fire risk due to very dry and hot conditions.
- Despite the relief from the forest fire risk being anticipated in the upcoming days, the environmental science community must also address the threat of storm gusts, hail, and potential thunderstorms in Brandenburg, as forecasted by the German Weather Service (DWD).
