Weather experts issue warnings - "Life-threatening peril" - Essential information regarding the approaching storm
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This text discusses the potential impact of heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding in various parts of Germany over the weekend. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued alerts for specific regions, including Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. With a low-pressure system stretching from the Alps to Poland, there's a chance of heavy and stormy rainfall. This weather phenomenon could lead to rainfall of 50-120 liters per square meter within 48 hours in some areas, possibly up to 150 liters per square meter locally.
Which areas might experience this weather?
The DWD has placed warnings in several federal states, including Dresden, Erfurt, and the Alps. Large sections of Baden-Württemberg are shown on a DWD map. DWD meteorologists predict the presence of a low-pressure system encompassing the Alps to Poland, potentially resulting in substantial rainfall.
What consequences may follow?
The current weather forecasts are not favorable for specific German regions, with warnings already released on Thursday by the DWD. While it is uncertain whether these warnings will extend, heavy rainfall is a likely possibility.
Fire departments in various parts of Germany are expected to be kept busy, dealing with flash flooding. A significant portion of Germany's rivers are now carrying more water than usual, and many soils are saturated, leaving them incapable of retaining additional precipitation. Baden-Württemberg was affected by previous flooding.
How can you prepare for this weather?
DWD advises that streets and drains could flood quickly during heavy rain. "Life-threatening flood danger," the warning states. Aquaplaning on roads is also a potential safety concern, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Additionally, landslides are possible.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief advises individuals to check their food and drink supplies. "The most crucial rule: Stay at home! Try to rearrange your appointments or meetings," the agency suggests. With a flood disaster in the Ahr Valley resulting in numerous casualties three years ago, there has been an increased focus on flood protection in Germany.
The German Insurance Association recently advocated for a focus on climate adaptation when it comes to safeguarding against natural disasters. "We need to include climate change adaptation in building regulations, less land sealing, and building bans in flood-prone locations."
Multiple outdoor events are scheduled for this weekend, but heavy rains could cause some to be canceled. Saxony's open day, set for Saturday, has been postponed, while Thuringia's well festival in Bad Berka near Weimar and a planned children's festival in Gotha have been canceled due to visitor safety. Meanwhile, the German Catholic Day is currently ongoing in Erfurt. In Norden, at the East Frisian North Sea coast, flooding streets and full cellars have already been reported due to heavy rain.
Is this increase in rainfall related to climate change?
Individual events, such as the recent rainfall, do not directly signify climate change, as per the DWD. Examining the past 70 years reveals that the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall days in Germany have increased slightly. However, there are no clear indications for the summer months yet, as the number of rainy days has decreased while rainstorms have become more intense. Furthermore, summer rainfall is often localized, making it more challenging to detect.
The DWD anticipates an increase in rainfall intensity during heavy rainfall in the summer. Climate researchers point out that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, resulting in more substantial rainfall when it does occur.
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The severe weather warning issued by the DWD in Germany includes regions such as Dresden and Erfurt, as well as the Alps, due to an approaching low-pressure system. This system stretches from the Alps to Poland, increasing the risk of heavy and stormy rainfall. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are particularly at risk, with predictions of rainfall up to 150 liters per square meter locally within 48 hours. The heavy rainfall could lead to flooding and has already caused flooding streets and full cellars in Norden.
Fire departments are expected to be busy dealing with flash flooding, as many rivers in Germany are already carrying more water than usual, and many soils are saturated. DWD meteorologists advise caution, as streets and drains could flood quickly during heavy rain, increasing the likelihood of aquaplaning and traffic accidents.
On the other hand, several outdoor events have been canceled due to heavy rain this weekend, including Saxony's open day and Thuringia's well festival. However, the German Catholic Day is currently ongoing in Erfurt.
Climate researchers have highlighted that while individual events do not directly signify climate change, there have been slight increases in the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall days in Germany over the past 70 years. The German Insurance Association has advocated for climate change adaptation in building regulations and less land sealing.
These weather conditions have led to severe concerns about collapsing dykes in the flood areas, with the DWD anticipating an increase in rainfall intensity during heavy rainfall in the summer as a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture.
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