Berlin Braces for Another Intense Three-Day Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 37 Degrees Celsius
Berlin, July 29 – The German capital is on alert as a three-day heatwave is set to bring temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius to the city, starting today. This comes after an extreme heatwave in June, intensifying concerns over the ongoing drought affecting the entire country.
Temperatures Soaring Again
According to Torsten Walter, a meteorologist at the ARD weather centre, temperatures are expected to climb above 30 degrees Celsius today. By Wednesday, the city will experience “hot” conditions. Walter described this heatwave as similarly “intense and relatively long-lasting, for almost exactly three days.”
Forecasts indicate that temperatures will likely reach 36-37 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Friday. There is also a risk of strong thunderstorms during this period. “The heat wave will likely be over by Saturday. But 26 degrees in the north and 30 degrees in Lower Lusatia are still warm, summery warm,” Walter added, indicating that while the peak heat will pass, warm weather will persist.
Drought Concerns Deepen
The news of another heatwave has exacerbated worries about the severe drought facing Germany. This month, cities such as Munich implemented bans on private pools, water-play installations, and lawn watering to conserve water. The Spree region, which includes Berlin, is currently in a “tense water management situation,” according to the State Office.
This critical situation is primarily attributed to significantly low rainfall during the winter and spring months. In many areas of the upper catchment, only about 70% of the typical rainfall for this time of year has been recorded so far, leading to depleted water reserves.
Brandenburg Takes Action
The neighbouring state of Brandenburg is also experiencing severe water shortages. Its low-water warning system currently indicates insufficient water flow at 25 of its 26 measuring stations. In response, the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment (LfU) has convened a cross-state working group.
The LfU announced on Tuesday that the primary objective of this working group is to better manage the remaining water reserves in the region’s reservoirs. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the long-term effects of the drought and ensure sustainable water supply for the populace and ecosystem.
The recurring heatwaves and persistent drought conditions highlight the growing challenges posed by climate change in the region, prompting authorities to implement stricter water management policies and encourage public cooperation in water conservation efforts.
Source: https://www.the-berliner.com/berlin/another-heat-wave-on-its-way-to-berlin/
