Alert Issued for Potential Record-Breaking Heat Waves in Bavaria - Intense Heat Warnings Issued Across Bavaria
Heat Wave and Forest Fire Danger: Bavaria Issues Alert and Precautions
Bavaria is bracing for a heat wave this week, with temperatures expected to soar to 36 degrees in Lower Franconia on Friday and 31 degrees on Saturday. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings for strong heat stress in parts of Franconia, and extreme heat stress in other areas.
In response to the increased forest fire danger, the DWD has warned of very high forest fire danger at stations such as Schonungen-Mainberg, Ebrach, Kitzingen, Weiden, Harburg, and Gunzburg. The forest fire danger index is 4 out of 5 in northern Bavaria on Thursday, and a medium to high risk of forest fires is expected in the rest of the Free State.
To manage the risks, the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein, DAV) has recommended a set of precautions for hiking during extreme heat stress. Hikers are advised to avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day, usually midday to early afternoon, and to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water regularly. Wearing appropriate lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, using sunscreen with a high SPF, taking frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas, reducing physical exertion, and being aware of heat-related illness symptoms are also key recommendations.
Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses, are particularly cautioned, and it is recommended that they avoid extreme heat hiking. Hikers are also advised to monitor weather forecasts carefully, inform others of their hiking plans, and carry a mobile phone or communication device in case of emergencies.
Specific alpine considerations by the DAV stress the importance of respecting mountain weather changes and personal limits, as the alpine environment can intensify heat stress effects. It is particularly important on hot days in the mountains to start early, choose shady routes instead of peak tours, drink enough, and think of sun protection. Hikers should also pack a rain jacket and warm layers in the summer, as weather changes are frequent in the mountains.
To combat the forest fire danger, visitors to the Upper Franconian and Lower Franconian forests are asked not to handle open fire or smoke. If a fire is detected, the fire department will be guided to the scene by the air observer, according to the government of Upper Franconia.
In addition, several government districts have ordered observation flights for the coming days, and air observation flights will take place in the Upper Palatinate, Upper Franconia, and Lower Franconia. It is hoped that these measures will help to keep Bavaria safe during the heat wave.
However, the DWD has also warned of thunderstorms over the weekend in Bavaria, with severe storms with heavy rain, hail, and gusts very likely locally on Friday. The night to Friday will bring little cooling, with lows of 21 degrees on the Franconian Alb and 14 degrees at the Alps. So, while hikers are encouraged to take precautions to stay safe during the heat wave, they should also be prepared for sudden weather changes.
The Commission, amidst the predicted heat wave, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, such as the ones potentially increase by long hours spent under the sun during hot weather.
Despite the cautious weather-forecasting predicting thunderstorms over the weekend, it is crucial for hikers to stay vigilant, adhering to the recommended precautions for extreme heat stress while being mindful of the sudden changes in the weather.
