Host Nation Update, July 31, 2024
Warning of Severe Weather in BW: Heat Followed by Heavy Rain, Hail, and Storm Gusts on Wednesday
After temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees, Baden-Württemberg is now bracing for severe weather. The weather on Wednesday began sunny but is expected to take a dramatic turn as the day progresses. Heavy thunderstorms, torrential rain, hail, and storm gusts are anticipated.
Temperatures remain extremely high on Wednesday. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official heat warning for Baden-Württemberg. The air is also very humid, with SWR weather experts forecasting temperatures up to 35 degrees. Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop on Wednesday.
A thunderstorm low from France is projected to move over Baden-Württemberg throughout the day. Showers and thunderstorms are expected initially in Alsace and the Upper Rhine region. Severe weather could occur regionally, bringing heavy rain of 25 to 50 liters per square meter, hail up to four centimeters in size, and storm gusts around 100 kilometers per hour.
Highest Risk for Severe Weather in Eastern BW
The storms are likely to intensify as the day progresses. According to SWR weather experts, the highest risk for severe weather is expected in the eastern part of Baden-Württemberg by evening. However, not all areas will be affected by the inclement weather; since the storms are localized, some places might remain dry.
The severe weather is expected to decrease overnight, although isolated thunderstorms and showers may still occur. Low temperatures will range between 16 and 21 degrees. Unstable weather is expected on Thursday and Friday, with possible showers and thunderstorms. The weather will remain warm and summery.
Adapting to Weather Changes
Weather changes can affect people significantly. Professor Andreas Matzarakis, a bio- and environmental meteorologist from the University of Freiburg, explains what we can do to cope with such changes on SWR.
Weekend Forecast: Plenty of Sun and Summery Temperatures
The outlook for the weekend and the new week is promising, with forecasts predicting plenty of sunshine and summery temperatures for Baden-Württemberg. (SWR Aktuell)
Mercedes cuts production again in Sindelfingen due to weak demand
Due to weak demand for luxury sedans, Mercedes is reducing production. In Sindelfingen, the Factory 56 will operate in a single-shift system moving forward.
The Stuttgart-based automaker Mercedes is cutting production in Sindelfingen because of insufficient demand for its S-Class luxury sedans. The company announced that in the fourth quarter of this year, production at Factory 56 will switch from a two-shift to a single-shift operation. This factory is the company’s most modern and produces the S-Class and Maybach models.
Second Production Cut at Factory 56
This is the second time production has been reduced at Factory 56. Last year, the night shift was eliminated. Now, production capacity is being further reduced due to a continued decline in luxury sedan sales in the first half of 2024. The company stated in response to an SWR inquiry that it is adjusting production to respond to market fluctuations.
Other parts of the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen are not affected by the production cut at Factory 56. As a result, production of the E-Class and GLC models will continue as usual, according to the company.
Temporary Workers’ Jobs at Risk?
So far, the decision to cut production has not affected the number of permanent employees. However, the company does not rule out the possibility of ending employment relationships with temporary workers. Any potential decisions will be made in close collaboration with the works council. (SWR Aktuell)
Mayor of Stuttgart: “Collective Delusion” Prevents S21 Urban Development
Does a new federal railway law prevent the development of the Rosenstein Quarter on the S21 areas? This is the concern of Stuttgart’s Mayor Frank Nopper, who is calling for a new federal law.
In the dispute over the construction of the Rosenstein Quarter on the former railway grounds near Stuttgart’s main train station, the mayor has now spoken out. Frank Nopper (CDU) considers Paragraph 23 of the new federal railway law to be unconstitutional. Speaking to SWR on Tuesday, he further stated that, according to the city’s legal opinion, the law unlawfully interferes with municipal self-administration.
Rosenstein Quarter: Mayor Nopper Harshly Criticizes New Law
The issue involves regulations that former railway areas may only be used for new construction in exceptional cases. The Stuttgart mayor unusually sharply criticized the Bundestag: “It is quite obvious that when amending § 23 of the General Railway Act, the federal legislature was either unaware of the scope of its decision or was in a state of collective legislative delusion,” said Nopper. He added that the federal law’s provisions seemed like a “cosmic joke.”
Thousands of Apartments on S21 Site Cannot Be Built?
For Stuttgart, the legislative change would mean that apartments for 10,000 people in the city center could not be built, the mayor continued. The idea of S21—which Nopper calls a “once-in-a-century opportunity”—would be rendered impossible. The advantage of S21 is that it allows for building apartments not on the outskirts in green fields but in the city center. Extensive planning is currently underway for the Rosenstein Quarter near the main train station, which includes apartments and schools. Therefore, the Stuttgart mayor called on the federal legislature to immediately amend Paragraph 23 of the General Railway Act. (SWR Aktuell)