Scorching Hot Days Ahead for Hesse: Summer's Here!
Hessen prepares for summer season - Hessen prepares for the arrival of summer.
Brace yourselves, folks, because summer's making a sizzling entrance in Hesse! After a bit of a warm-up day on Wednesday, get ready for the mercury to skyrocket from Thursday onwards. So gear up for some pool time, lakeside fun, outdoor dining and drinking, but remember, the solar rays ain't nothin' to mess with! The blazing heat is expected to wreck havoc over the weekend.
What's the scoop?
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), it's gonna be a scorcher from Thursday, with temperatures soaring between a cozy 26°C and a sweltering 31°C[1]. In the higher altitudes, it'll be slightly more bearable at 23°C. The breeze will remain gentle, but don't expect a tropical gale.
It's the same story on Friday: mostly sunny, no rain, light wind. However, it'll be downright steamy, with temps between 29°C and 33°C, and 26°C in the high-altitude zones.
On Saturday, clouds are expected to roll in from the west. The DWD warns of possible showers with the occasional heavy thunderstorm, including torrential downpours and wind gusts[1]. It'll once again be unbearably steamy, with temps expected between 29°C and 34°C.
Health Experts' Advice:
With UV indexes pointing to a high health risk in various parts of Hesse, it's crucial to take protective measures to shield your body from the scorching rays:
- Take Cover: Close your roller shutters and ventilate early in the morning, late in the evening, or at night.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body adequately hydrated.
- Sunscreen: Coat your skin with a good layer of sunscreen. Don't forget the headgear! You'll be glad you did[1].
- Chilly Dip: A cold shower or a refreshing bath can provide some much-needed relief.
- Stay Shade: Hang out in the shade and avoid the midday sun as much as possible.
High-risk groups include the elderly, those who require care, people with pre-existing health conditions, infants, and pregnant women.
Outdoor Pools Await:
Seriously considering diving headfirst into those inviting pools? Operators of Hesse's outdoor pools are keeping their fingers crossed for the scorching weather. "With the rising temperatures, we anticipate more visitors," explains Boris Zielinski, Managing Director of the Frankfurt Bathing Operations. The current season for outdoor pools has been "tolerable" so far, he notes.
Tuesday marked the grand opening of the three largest Frankfurt outdoor pools. In other words, all seven outdoor pools in the city are now open for business. In Kassel, the watery adventure has been modest, but now they can't wait to welcome a horde of eager swimmers[2].
Lakes Open Up:
Feeling more connected to nature? 54 bathing lakes in the state are already open for swimmers, according to the Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environmental Protection, and Geology (HNAG)[4]. Another six lakes will be added to the list in the coming weeks, HNAG predicts, with the latest being July 1. One lake remains closed, but don't worry, it's not due to poor water quality.
Out of the 61 bathing lakes in Hesse, 58 received an "excellent" hygiene rating, leaving the remaining three lakes with a "good" classification. No lake was classified as "sufficient" or "deficient."
Past Microbiological Tests:
In 2024, lakes were tested for Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, despite the superior water quality, temporary restrictions on bathing were implemented in certain instances, such as when blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) surfaced[4]. Rest assured, these instances didn't impact the lakes' cleanliness ratings.
Frugal Guests:
The Hessian gastronomy industry is wringing their hands over the summer's business prospects. "The past several weeks and months have been marked by a hesitant consumer base," says Robert Mangold, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga Hessen.
Many establishments are indeed booming, but customers are being none too liberal with their wallets. This means fewer additional drinks and skimpier desserts[3]. Moreover, shrinking profit margins and rising costs are causing the industry to suffer.
Alcohol-Free and Vegetarian:
"Many businesses are reporting a significant amount of restraint and are often dissatisfied with the current situation," Mangold says. The mood among guests has never been as somber as this year, other Dehoga district associations note.
Those who find their way to beer gardens and the outdoor areas of restaurants this summer will likely encounter a trend: alcohol-free beverages. Mangold foresees a rise in alcohol-free wines and apple wines.
"Mocktails" - alcohol-free cocktail variants - are also in high demand, as they were in previous summer seasons. "Alcohol-free continues to gain popularity," Mangold concludes. Furthermore, the trend towards light and vegetarian dishes remains strong[3].
Drought-Tolerant Plants Rage:
"This spring was extraordinarily dry," explains Jochen Reiss, managing director of the Garden Association Baden-Württemberg-Hesse. Although it's recently rained, the soil in Hesse is still parched. However, the soil moisture analysis by the German Weather Service shows that Hesse is faring better than other federal states such as Rhineland-Palatinate and North Bavaria, as well as Brandenburg[5].
In most regions of Hesse, grass roots have between 75 and 125 milliliters of water available[5]. The soil is generally moister in the northern parts of the state and drier in the south. Gardeners are advised to water their plants during non-midday hours and apply water before fertilizer.
[1] Based on data from: Deutsches Wetterdienst (DWD)[2] Source: Stadt Frankfurt am Main[3] Source: Dehoga Hessen[4] Source: Hessisches Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Geologie (HLNUG)[5] Based on data from: Deutsches Wetterdienst (DWD) via FFH-EXPOSUR HOCHwasser Risikoanalyse
1.In addition to weekend leisure activities, it's essential to pay attention to health and wellness during the hot weather in Hesse, such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and staying in the shade, especially for small children and high-risk groups.2. For those looking for science-based lifestyle advice, it's advised to consume a balanced diet and drink alcohol-free and vegetarian options, which are gaining popularity in Hesse's gastronomy industry this summer.
