Weather: Saxony Suffers Under Heat - First Cancellations and Bans

Saxony is grappling with extreme heat, leading to the implementation of measures to conserve water and ensure public safety. The city of Dresden has imposed a ban on water withdrawal from its surface waters, effective until the end of October. This decision aims to protect the natural environment amidst critically low water levels, which are not expected to be replenished by rainfall in the coming weeks.

Despite the restrictions, the local water supplier, Sachsen Energie, assures that the drinking water supply remains secure. The system draws from multiple sources, including the Klingenberg/Lehnmühle reservoir system in the Ore Mountains, which provides about 60 percent of the supply, and an additional 40 percent from the Elbe river's bank filtrate and groundwater. This diverse sourcing strategy is expected to meet the high anticipated demand, potentially reaching 160,000 cubic meters per day.

The German Weather Service forecasts temperatures to reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher over the weekend, with nights offering little relief, remaining tropical in many areas. Even the Fichtelberg mountain, at over 1,000 meters, could see temperatures approach 30 degrees, potentially setting a new record. This intense heat is particularly burdensome in densely built-up urban areas.

In response to the extreme conditions, event organizers are canceling or rescheduling activities. Freiberg has canceled its traditional Sunday mountain parade and the closing fireworks due to a high forest fire risk (level 4). While the city had prepared for an estimated 100,000 visitors with increased shade and refreshment points, these measures are insufficient to mitigate the risks associated with the current heatwave. Some events have been moved to later in the evening when the sun's intensity decreases.