Sunshine and Dry Weather Amplify Forest Fire Risk Across Germany
Forest fire risk escalates under arid, sunny conditions - Warm, arid conditions amplify the danger of forest fires.
Get ready for another week of sunny skies and scorching temperatures across Germany! According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the upcoming days will remain fair and dry, with thermometers nudging the early summer threshold of 16 to 24°C. But, this cheerful weather doesn't come without its downsides. The extended dry spell considerably raises the forest fire risk level in many parts of Germany.
The DWD, using a five-level risk assessment system, predicts that regions like northeastern Germany will witness a significant increase in fire risk, as shown in the animated map. However, several other regions will also face a medium risk level of 3.
As for the upcoming days, Tuesday will bring more of the same with temperatures still soaring. By Wednesday, the eastern and southeastern parts of the country will expect cloudier skies, with some sporadic rainfall. But, fear not - Thursday's weather should see a return to fair conditions.
In the photo gallery: Recall the weather of the 1970s? Not so sunny and dry. The data tells a different story, and it provides an intriguing glimpse into the future.
The DWD's forest fire risk assessment relies on various meteorological factors, including temperature, precipitation, drought conditions, wind speed, and humidity. They use a risk scale that ranges from low to very high fire danger, with level 4 or 5 indicating a high or extreme risk. Factors like low rainfall, severe drought conditions, and forecasts such as thunderstorms or windy conditions can significantly contribute to the fire risk and impact warnings and regulations concerning open fires and bonfires in forested areas.
Researchers often employ the Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) to quantitatively assess the potential for fire occurrence and spread. This popular index takes into account several meteorological factors like temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind speed, providing a clue about "fire weather days" - days with a high probability of wildfire occurrence.
So, while you're enjoying the sunny weather, be mindful of the heightened forest fire risk. Let's hope that Mother Nature stays kind and keeps the fires at bay.
- Forest Fire Risk
- DWD
- Weather
The Commission, with its expertise in environmental science and assessment of various risks, has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the increased fire risk due to climate-change-induced sunshine and dry weather.
Incidentally, the science behind the weather patterns that contribute to forest fire risk may offer insights into the effects of future climate change on other environmental factors, including precipitation and humidity, which are significant components of the Canadian Fire Weather Index.
