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In the midst of a scorching heatwave, Lower Saxony and other parts of Germany are bracing for temperatures that could soar up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F), with the peak expected on Wednesday, 2 July[1][2][3]. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a heat warning for Lower Saxony and nine other federal states due to these extreme temperatures[1].
The high temperatures are a result of hot air masses flowing in from North Africa, which have also brought Saharan dust. Interestingly, this dust may potentially lower temperatures by one or two degrees[1]. However, the dryness accompanying the heatwave poses a significant risk, with a high fire risk particularly concerning.
To mitigate these risks, several precautions are advised:
- **Sun protection:** Use sun cream, wear hats, and avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation, which has also prompted UV radiation warnings in northern states including Lower Saxony[1]. - **Hydration:** Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. - **Limit physical exertion:** The government advises delaying exercise or physically demanding activities until cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening[1]. - **Fire safety:** Given the elevated fire risk with dry and hot conditions, authorities typically urge caution in forested and grassy areas to prevent wildfires. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway has switched to diesel locomotives on some route sections to prevent forest fires[4].
In addition to these measures, institutions such as schools and hospitals are calling for enhanced measures to protect vulnerable populations from the heat, including modernizing buildings for better cooling and providing free drinking water to students and staff[3][4].
As the summer of 2021 experiences unusually high temperatures, it's crucial for everyone to take these precautions seriously. Extreme heat stress poses a threat not only to humans but also to nature and infrastructure in Germany. Rain is not expected in Lower Saxony for the time being, and dryness will continue to dominate in the coming days.
Dominik Jung, the Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, has urged special caution due to the high risk of fires[5]. With the approaching of one of the hottest weeks of the year, it's essential to stay vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our environment.
[1] https://www.dwd.de/DE/warnungen/warnungen_node.html [2] https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article206084950/Wetter-Warnung-fuer-heisse-Tage-in-Deutschland.html [3] https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Heatwave-in-Deutschland-Schulen-und-Krankenhause-schliessen-Aufruf-fuer-besseres-Kuhlen-article23649769.html [4] https://www.welt.de/politik/article206100708/Harz-Bahn-wechselt-zu-Diesellokomotiven.html [5] https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Heatwave-in-Deutschland-Schulen-und-Krankenhause-schliessen-Aufruf-fuer-besseres-Kuhlen-article23649769.html
The scorching heatwave, fueled by hot air masses from North Africa, has raised concerns in the field of environmental science, as it could potentially lead to extreme heat stress for both humans and nature in Germany. In response, the German government advises implementing science-based precautions such as sun protection, hydration, limiting physical exertion, and maintaining fire safety to lower the risks associated with the weather conditions.
