Weather: Weekend to be Summery – Forest Fire Danger High

Residents of Baden-Württemberg can look forward to a picture-perfect summer weekend, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 35 degrees Celsius, particularly along the Rhine River. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts sunny skies, with only a few cumulus clouds forming over the mountains later in the day. Little to no rain is expected across the state.

However, this idyllic weather comes with a significant warning: the risk of forest fires is rising sharply. The DWD anticipates the forest fire danger index to reach level 4 across widespread areas on Saturday, potentially escalating to level 5 in certain regions by Sunday. This index measures factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation, with level 5 indicating a very high danger.

Authorities are strongly advising the public, especially those venturing into wooded areas, to exercise extreme caution. Fire safety regulations are in effect, including a smoking ban in forests during the summer months. Grilling is generally permitted only in designated areas, but even these may be restricted in many cities and districts. Officials also noted that a hot car catalytic converter can ignite a fire. The summer weather is expected to continue into the beginning of the week, with highs potentially reaching 37 degrees Celsius by the Rhine.