New Year's Eve Weather and Health Concerns

As the year draws to a close, Germany anticipates varied weather patterns and health concerns due to air quality. High-pressure systems bring mild weather to regions like Baden-Württemberg, while others face frost and fog. Hessen and other areas expect a frosty end of the year with temperatures hovering between -2 and 6 degrees Celsius. New Year's Eve may see turbulent weather, including rain, snow, and strong winds, potentially disrupting celebrations.

A significant concern this year is the high fine dust levels caused by an unusual weather condition known as an inversion. This phenomenon traps pollutants, leading to elevated fine dust concentrations. The situation is exacerbated by traditional New Year's Eve fireworks, contributing to about 1% of the annual fine dust emissions in just one night. Areas like Kempten and Tübingen have reported exceeding safe pollution levels.

Health authorities advise sensitive individuals to limit outdoor activities due to potential respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The inversion effect may lead to temporary breathing difficulties and increased medication needs for those with asthma. As the year ends, mindful celebrations and safety precautions are encouraged.