The weather is heating up across Germany, with forecasts predicting nearly 40C on Thursday. At the same time certain regions will see the highest-level of wildfire risk.
Severe heat warnings were in place across Germany this week as a new heat spell grips Europe.
Temperatures of up to 31-35C were expected across most of the country, with the Mercury reaching 38C in the southwest.
The German Weather Service (DWD) said the Upper Rhine will see the highest temperatures, with up to 39C forecast on Thursday.
Experts are also warning of an increasing risk of wildfires, which comes as neighbouring countries, including France, continue to battle severe blazes in the south-west of the country.
READ ALSO: Road closures, deliveries suspended - ongoing disruption from French wildfires
Does Germany face a high risk of wildfires?
Dry summers, heatwaves and burning forests are becoming more common due to the climate crisis.
"In Central Europe, the risk of forest fires has changed along with the climate," forestry scientist Prof. Jürgen Bauhus from the University of Freiburg told German news magazine Quarks.
Across Europe, more forest area was burned in 2025 than at any other time since EU records began in 2006.
For Germany, data from the DWD shows that the number of days with a high risk of forest fires (level 4 out of 5) has roughly doubled since the 1960s – from an average of around six to just over 11 days per year.
However, the risk is not the same everywhere. Weather conditions and the composition of the local forest determine how high the risk is that a forest fire will begin and spread.
Which areas are most at risk during this week's heat spell?
To assess the current wildfire risk, the DWD uses an index that is based on factors like temperature, rainfall, humidity and wind. Level 1 is a very low risk, while Level 5 means there is a very high risk of wildfires developing.
As the DWD map below shows, parts of mainly south-western Germany faced a Level 4 high risk of fires spreading, with some areas seeing a very high risk.
The issue is particularly serious in Baden-Württemberg, with places like Freiburg and Rottweil on the highest alert.
Map shows warnings of wildfires in Germany on Wednesday. Screenshot: DWD.
The forest fire danger is set to increase on Thursday, with more areas in the west and southwest being classed as very high risk.
Map shows risk of wildfires on Thursday. Screenshot: DWD
Why does the risk of fires vary across Germany?
Even outside of the extremely hot weather, forecasters look at the land to see which areas are most at risk from fires developing.
The sandy soil in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are one reason why the risk index is usually high there. In recent years, however, other forested areas, such as those in Rhineland-Palatinate or Bavaria, have also been classified as having the highest risk.
Meadows and fields are also at risk during prolonged dry spells.
Authorities are urging people to take precautions when out and about. Official advice states that people should avoid lighting barbecues or campfires in forests and dispose of cigarettes responsibly.
