Germany is facing a worrying spring drought after the driest March on record. The lack of rainfall has stressed plants and animals, raised the risk of wildfires, and could disrupt shipping and harvests. We’re concerned about the current weather situation,” said Joachim Rukwied, head of the German Farmers’ Association.
“We’re urgently waiting for rain.”
The water content of the upper layers of soil is up to 20% below the long-term minimum values, particularly in the north. Seedlings have struggled as March was unusually dry, following insufficient rain in February and no precipitation in the first week of April. At Lake Constance, on the border with Switzerland, water levels are lower than usual.
Ships on the island of Reichenau still have enough water to stay afloat, but a harbor on the smaller Untersee has already dried up. The smallest island on Lake Constance, Hoy, can currently be reached by foot. The water level in the Rhine River at Cologne is currently at 1.54 meters (about 5 feet), about half the usual level.
Germany’s spring drought effects escalate
This has already had economic consequences: steel manufacturer Thyssenkrupp is loading its ships with less cargo. However, the supply of raw materials has so far remained unaffected.
According to the German Weather Service, the risk of forest fires has increased significantly. In the Sauerland region, firefighters have already tackled two large-scale blazes in the past two days. The drought has also weakened the trees, making them more susceptible to insect infestation.
“The current drought is worrying. Even now, in spring, it is far too dry in many parts of Germany this year,” said outgoing Environment Minister Steffi Lemke. Agriculture and forestry, but also all of us, are clearly feeling the consequences of the climate crisis.” She indicated that if the dry conditions continue, the harvest could be affected.
However, the forecast has some good news for next week at least for western Germany. Rain is expected in places like Freiburg and Cologne, potentially boosting water levels in dried-up rivers like the Rhine.
Image Credits: Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash
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