Cool breezes for Frankfurt: Innovative use of wind currents

Frankfurt is one of the hottest cities in Germany, and the summer months are particularly stressful. To combat urban heat stress, the city is relying on innovative climate adaptation strategies. The use of local wind currents that blow between high-rise buildings and through residential areas plays a central role. These winds, while not particularly strong, contribute significantly to cooling the city and are critical to maintaining quality of life during the summer heat.

Matthias Ratheiser, an Austrian meteorologist, has been instrumental in a new urban development plan for Frankfurt that emphasizes the importance of these air currents for the city’s microclimate. In particular, the so-called “Wetterau wind,” which blows into the city from the northeast at night, is essential for keeping nighttime temperatures bearable. This effect is particularly noticeable in dense areas such as the banking district, where high-rise buildings direct the air currents.

Frankfurt has also developed a climate atlas that identifies the hottest areas and major wind corridors in the city. These wind corridors should be kept clear and connected to existing green spaces to improve air circulation. However, the increasing demand for housing makes it difficult to maintain these corridors. Especially in densely built-up areas such as Nordend and Westend, the wind alone is not enough to provide cooling.