Weather Chaos, German Style

Posted: 1:31 am, July 20, 2013 by Michael V. Owens

Enjoying the sun in the English Garden -- munichFOTO

Germans are known for their orderliness, tidiness and organization. What happens when the weather patterns break all of the models for consistency? A bit of chaos enters their lives.

After one of the darkest winters in Germany’s recorded history and spring floods that shattered records, summer has arrived here in July. In a year of inconsistencies, this year’s summer has begun with a consistency, that is, it has broken records as well. This July is shaping up to be the driest summer experienced in these parts for at least ten years. Though we are only two-thirds of the way through July, the forecast calls for continued heat and dryness for the remainder of the month.

Spring floods in Passau, Bavaria. Photo: dpa

Local farmers have begun to lament the parched conditions. Some crops are in dire need of precipitation. Grass, which is now normally lush, tall and green, is burnt to a crisp. Rivers and lakes, which only a few short weeks ago were overflowing and too cold for swimming, are overflowing with people looking for a slight respite from the broiling conditions. Even regular citizens, who are accustomed to carrying a summer jacket to their favorite beer garden, always, seem unable to adjust.

It has become weather chaos. Many locals are pining for a few days of drizzle, or at least a thunderstorm to refill their cisterns. They have grown weary of having to go to a beer garden daily, or a lake, or a grill party on a balcony or by a river. They have already forgotten (and sorely miss) the infinite shades of gray that the German sky is normally. They want their normalcy again.

As for me, born in California and raised in Florida, I say “one swallow does not make a summer”, nor does a two week dry period. This feels like home. I am going swimming. I am going to shower daily, maybe even twice. I am going to wear flip-flops and Hawaiian-print shirts. I am going to grill my dinner everyday for the next six weeks. I am going to enjoy it and hope that it lasts till Oktoberfest.

Now, if I could just find a place that makes a decent margarita…

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