Germany hopes for rain to avoid 3rd straight summer drought

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s farmers, foresters, and firefighters are eagerly awaiting widespread rain forecast for this week, as a warm and dry spring has raised fears of a third summer drought in as many years. A drought in 2018 caused severe crop damage and other problems. Last year was also exceptionally dry, causing widespread damage to the country’s forests, and wildfire warnings are already at their second highest level this year. So far, there has been almost no rain since March 14, said meteorologist Andreas Friedrich. Precipitation is predicted for later this week but it’s too early to tell if it will be enough.