Germany and Poland face severe drought as rainfalls plummet
Germany is experiencing a record-breaking drought, raising concerns about forest fires and poor harvests, reports EMEA Tribune. From 1 February to 13 April, Germany recorded just 0.04 cubic metres of rain per square metre, the lowest level since 1931.
The German environment minister warned of a high risk of forest fires and poor harvests due to the "worrying" lack of rainfall in recent weeks.
From 1 February to 13 April, Germany recorded just 0.04 cubic metres of rain per square metre, the lowest level since 1931. This concerning data was reported by the German Meteorological Service (DWD).
The current drought is particularly severe, as rainfall is 68 per cent lower than the 1991-2020 average. The previous record from 1976 was 0.06 cubic metres per square metre. In northwestern Germany, there was 35 per cent less rain than usual, with some southeastern regions experiencing even 50-80 per cent less.
Minister Steffi Lemke emphasised that the drought is impacting agriculture and forestry, as well as the economy. Low water levels in the Rhine are negatively affecting both the environment and the economy. In southern Germany, along the shores of Lake Constance, large stretches of sand are now visible.
The DWD forecasts significant rainfall next week, which could alleviate the drought in some regions. However, the current situation poses a serious challenge for farmers, especially for asparagus producers in Lower Saxony, who are concerned about their crops.
Drought in Poland as well
In Poland, there has been a drought for several months, leading to low water levels in rivers. The most difficult situation is in the western and southwestern parts of the country, where no rainfall has been recorded yet in April. While the situation is slightly better in the east, rainfall remains minimal.
According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, water levels are low at more than half of the gauge stations in Poland. In forests outside eastern Poland, there is a medium to high fire risk. The only solution is frequent, moderate rainfall.
