Record temperature: Weather service reports Hessen's heat record at 40.3 degrees Celsius

Frankfurt has officially recorded a new all-time temperature record for the month of June, reaching 40.3 degrees Celsius on Friday. This surpasses the previous June high of 39.3 degrees, also set in Frankfurt in 2019. The new record also breaks the previous overall record for Hessen, which stood at 40.2 degrees Celsius since July 2019.

Germany has been systematically recording weather data since 1881, with the German Weather Service (DWD) operating approximately 2,000 weather stations. The DWD forecasts temperatures could reach up to 41 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The current heatwave is characterized not only by extreme daytime temperatures but also by "tropical nights," where temperatures fail to dip below 20 degrees Celsius. This prevents adequate cooling and recovery, particularly impacting urban areas with more sealed surfaces.

The prolonged heat and dryness are significantly increasing the risk of forest fires across Hessen. The state's Ministry of Environment noted that regional rainfall over the weekend has not provided lasting relief. Currently, a moderate to high forest fire risk is widespread, with a very high risk possible in southern Hessen in the coming days. Since the beginning of the year, Hessen has already seen around 40 forest fires, affecting an area equivalent to about six football fields.

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Hesse's Minister of Health Diana Stolz (CDU) advises on the homepage: 'Especially children, the medically weakened and the elderly'