While July and August temperatures were rather average, August had an unusually long heat wave, notes the national meteorological service Asta, part of the ministry for agriculture, viticulture and rural development, which on Tuesday published its weather report for the period of 1 June to 31 August 2020.

The summer of 2020 was the tenth warmest since temperature records began in 1838. Meanwhile, August 2020 was the second warmest August on record. At the Clemency weather station, average daily temperatures were above 20°C for 12 consecutive days and even above 25°C for 5 consecutive days. The maximum temperature was recorded at 38.3°C on 9 August in Steinsel.

Drought in July and August

But the summer was also marked by a severe drought. Total rainfall across the country was well below average values. While in June rainfall was still slightly above average in most parts of the country, July 2020 was among the 10 driest Julys since 1851 at all stations. And the drought continued into August. The lack of rain was most pronounced in the south and along the Moselle, with a record low of 86mm in Grevenmacher.

This drought and heatwave has severely dried the topsoil, exacerbating the situation of a dry spring.

An update on the harvest season and the influence of these extreme weather conditions is planned from agricultural minister Romain Schneider (LSAP).