Heat hell in 1540: European drought claimed many victims!

Heat hell in 1540: European drought claimed many victims!

In 1540, Central Europe experienced one of the most severe droughts in history, which had a profound impact on daily life and the environment. Martin Luther expressed concern about the extreme weather in July 1540, describing the conditions as “unspeakable and intolerable.” At that time, people were desperately waiting for rain while the drought lasted for almost a whole year. According to reports, there was little rainfall for around eleven months during this period and temperatures often exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.

The drought was not only an extreme climatic event, but also the result of a stable high pressure situation. This so-called omega position blocked the Atlantic air currents, which led to a drastic deficit in precipitation. Historical records show that the levels of major rivers, particularly the Rhine, Elbe and Seine, were greatly reduced. The drought began in northern Italy and gradually spread north, with far-reaching consequences.

Climatic conditions and impacts

Over 300 contemporary chronicles document the diverse effects of the drought. Among the devastating consequences were rebellious forest fires and a noticeable decline in groundwater levels. Agriculture, livestock farming and fish stocks were particularly affected, leading to malnutrition. Historians estimate that around half a million people died in Europe that year, many as a result of diarrheal diseases.

It is known from phenological observations that cherry trees bloomed unusually early and the cherry harvest season began at the end of May. The vines also ripened ahead of the usual time frame, which indicates the extreme climatic conditions. The weather diary of Marcin Biem, the rector of the University of Krakow, is considered one of the most reliable sources on this drought.

Additional events and social unrest

The drought created a pernicious climate, with July being particularly hot. In the eastern French city of Besançon, residents sought refuge in cellars to escape the unbearable heat. City fires increased, with a total of 33 fires recorded in Germany in 1540. Arson was often suspected, often in a political-religious context. A tragic example is the devastating city fire in Einbeck, which destroyed the entire city.

Amid this natural disaster, viticulture was viewed positively in some regions. The 1540 vintage of the wine was described as particularly high quality, which represents a small ray of hope amid the catastrophic climatic conditions. Despite the adverse circumstances, the harvest at the Bürgerspital Würzburg was valued as a rarity.

This period of drought fell during the Little Ice Age, which shaped the climate from around the 15th to the 19th century. Studies conducted in 2016 showed that summer temperatures in 1540 were significantly higher than averages from 1966 to 2015. Scientific analysis suggests that modern climate models cannot simulate an event of this severity, putting the drought in a unique historical perspective.