Soaking Up the Sun: How the Dry Spell Affects Germany - Unraveling the Impact
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Germany Facing Water Shortage: Understanding the Aftermath - Germany Facing Water Shortages: Implications Explored
Last month, Germany witnessed an unusually dry March - and the opening days of April saw zero rainfall. According to Marcel Schmid from the German Weather Service (DWD), only traces of rain are expected in the near future.
Is a dry summer on the horizon?
Based on DWD data, soil moisture was depleted in March, with parts of the northern regions seeing moisture levels up to 20 percent below the minimum for typical yearly averages, compounded by a dry winter and drizzly February.
Andreas Broemser, a DWD expert, notes the "unusually low soil moisture for this time of year," though he doesn't deem this particularly alarming. The lower layers of the soil still remain well-hydrated due to the wetness of 2021. A couple of weeks of rain could help balance out the current dry spell.
"Therefore, we shouldn't anticipate a severe drought this summer," Broemser says firmly. Also, groundwater reserves are currently plentiful.
Is it climate change?
Indeed, recurrent droughts in Germany during spring and summer are becoming a common occurrence due to climate change. Climate change warms the earth and causes evaporation to increase, leading to earlier and more frequent drought stress in plants, explains Broemser.
"Warmer temperatures speed up the natural growth of plants, who extract moisture from the ground earlier in the year. This enhances the occurrence of drought stress in plant life," says Broemser.
What does the dry spell signify for farming?
"We're keeping a close eye on this unfavorable weather pattern," asserts Joachim Rukwied, farmers' association chairman. "Initial conditions for spring sowing were favorable, but we desperately need rainfall right now."
According to Rukwied, a dry spring followed by a wet early summer is preferable for crops, as fields need abundant water during their growth phase, particularly during the grain-forming phase in early summer.
However, he insists that no definitive conclusions can be drawn about the harvest from the current weather conditions. "Ongoing weather events can have both positive and negative impacts on yields leading up to the harvest, and there's currently no danger of food shortages due to drought."
Wolfgang Ehrecke, the Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony's spokesperson, expresses concern about the dry spell: "If rainfall doesn't arrive soon and in sufficient amounts, there might be significant crop losses regionally." Moisture in the upper layer of the soil is crucial for shallow-rooted crops and newly-germinated plants, both in the natural world and sustenance cultivation, as exemplified by the recent seeding of summer grains and sugar beets.
What are the consequences for livestock?
A dry early spring poses severe threats to numerous animal species - particularly in the long run. Markus Pfenninger, a researcher from Johannes Gutenberg University, explains that droughts during the critical early days of spring, in particular, can be detrimental to insects and young birds.
How is the forest faring?
The forest fire risk is already elevated early in the year, as reported by the DWD. The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Climate Protection warns that the present drought entails "real forest protection challenges."
As weakened trees may be less able to fend off bugs, including bark beetles, the likelihood of these pests causing secondary damage grows. "Several bark beetles overwintered," reports the ministry.
How are the waters holding up?
The water level at Lake Constance has fallen significantly due to the lack of rain and minimal meltwater from the Alps. With no rain anticipated in the immediate future, it is expected to drop even further. With one harbor already submerged, several others can no longer be reached.
The low water levels in the Rhine hinder larger ships from carrying their usual load, with effects on the economy.
Larger ships can carry considerably less freight due to the historically low water levels in the Rhine, which negatively impacts the economy. According to Helmut Dedy, the managing director of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, regional challenges could arise if drinking water is procured from rivers or lakes, and these bodies carry significantly less water.
"However, there's currently no need for worry. The inhabitants' drinking water supply remains secure," observes Dedy. "Nevertheless, even citizens must handle the precious resource of water with care."
What does the Federal Minister of the Environment say?
"The current drought is cause for concern," says Steffi Lemke (Greens), the Federal Minister of the Environment. Climate change harms agriculture, forestry, and all citizens, and action must be taken to reduce the environmental impact, boost prosperity, and enhance security.
"To shield the environment, prosperity, and security, we need better water management, along with the restoration of ecosystems," adds Lemke.
Are solar panel owners and home gardeners reaping the benefits of the dry season?
One can't help but feel a touch of sunshine in the hearts of numerous photovoltaic system owners. DWD reported 199 hours of sunshine in March, which is statistically average only in the summer months.
Moreover, owners of solar panels can enjoy the added benefit of fewer visits from the dreaded Spanish slug. Considered a major pest capable of decimating carefully grown seedlings overnight, it may spread less this year thanks to the persistent dry conditions.
And across Europe?
There's widespread hope for drier days in some European areas. According to Copernicus, Europe's climate change monitoring service, March was exceptionally wet in parts of southern Europe, such as the Iberian Peninsula, which experienced numerous storms and flooding. Also affected were Norway, parts of Iceland, and northwestern Russia.
In northern Greece, temperatures have fallen so drastically that snow has fallen in districts like Thessaloniki. Snowplows were deployed, and school was canceled for students in the affected areas.
- The dry spell in Germany has raised concerns for the agricultural sector, particularly among solar panel owners and home gardeners who are reaping the benefits of the abundant sunshine.
- The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Climate Protection has warned that the current drought poses "real forest protection challenges," as weakened trees may be more susceptible to pests like bark beetles.
- The lingering dry conditions could potentially cause significant crop losses, according to Joachim Rukwied, the chairman of the farmers' association, especially if rainfall doesn't arrive soon and in sufficient amounts.
