The persistent heat continues to take a toll on people and nature in Germany. While the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported a renewed increase in heat-related deaths on Thursday, fire services in many areas were still battling forest and vegetation fires. The German Animal Welfare Association sounded the alarm, warning of the dangers posed to wild animals by dried-up water sources. For now, there is no relief in sight: according to the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures are expected to remain unusually high in places.
The RKI had already reported last week that 2026 represents a record year in terms of heat-related deaths. In the particularly hot week from 22 to 28 June alone, 9,600 heat-related fatalities were recorded. The figure for the summer as a whole now stands at 12,500. According to the federal institute, the highest number of heat deaths previously registered was in 2018, with an estimated 8,900 cases.
The RKI's current figures relate to calendar week 31, from 27 July to 2 August. For that week, excess mortality is currently estimated by the RKI at a total of 14,500. Excess mortality means that more people die within a given period than would normally be expected.
Meanwhile, fires were reported again on Thursday from numerous regions. In Sundern in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, the local fire brigade said it was still fighting a forest fire on Thursday that had broken out on Wednesday and had at one point spread across 200,000 square metres. The blaze had since been contained, however, and the situation was described as "static".
In the area around Düsseldorf, the fire service spent Wednesday evening dealing with a vegetation fire stretching for kilometres along a railway line. As a result, a train carrying around 150 passengers had to stop on an open stretch of track in Kaarst and be evacuated, according to emergency responders in Kaarst and Meerbusch. Some passengers complained of circulatory problems because of the heat and were treated by rescue services.
In addition, drying streams, ponds and watering places are causing stress for animals. "In the worst case, they are at risk of dying of thirst or suffocating," warned Paulina Kuhn of the German Animal Welfare Association. Fish and other aquatic animals are also suffering from falling water levels and rising water temperatures. Alongside water-dwelling species, young animals are said to be especially at risk, as they are not yet mobile and cannot reach water sources further away.
The Animal Welfare Association appealed to the public to help wild animals get through the hot days. Shallow bowls of fresh water should be set out in sheltered, shaded spots for wild birds, insects, hedgehogs and squirrels. Young birds that jump out of their overheated nests in distress should be taken to a wildlife rescue centre.
The heat is also continuing to make itself felt on Germany's major rivers. As on the Rhine, extremely low water levels were recorded in places on the Elbe as well. At Neu Darchau, the water level stood at 57 centimetres, according to the Waterways and Shipping Administration. That fell below the previous historic low of 63 centimetres set in 2018.
According to the DWD, the coming days will bring no immediate respite. On Friday, temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius are expected again in places in the west and south-west, and Saturday will once more be hot across the country, with 30 to 38 degrees. Thunderstorms are forecast in some areas on Sunday, but temperatures of up to 32 degrees are still expected in the south-east.
The temperatures could prove particularly draining in densely built-up urban areas, the DWD said, because these areas cool down less at night. Numerous towns and municipalities have accordingly called on residents to adjust their behaviour, for example by avoiding physical exertion outdoors and drinking enough fluids.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
