The moisture content of the soil is crucial for flood protection, as soil that is already moist can absorb little water and soil that has dried out needs time to absorb moisture. The German Weather Service (DWD) now offers soil moisture forecasts free of charge, allowing a forecast for the coming weeks and months. These forecasts are important for disaster prevention and enable early preparation for floods and drought hazards. The trend towards extreme weather situations increases the importance of such forecasts, as the DWD’s review of 2023, which was the wettest year since 2007, shows. The forecasts not only support civil protection, but also agriculture and forestry in adapting to drought and flood risks.
You can find the DWD tool here.
Source: Behörden Spiegel