Cold front on the horizon after heat wave: anticipated temperature drop
As Europe grapples with a prolonged heatwave, Germany is experiencing one of the most intense spells of extreme heat this year. The relentless heat dome that has enveloped the continent since late June has brought record-breaking temperatures, drought conditions, and high wildfire risks across western and central Europe[1].
In Germany, the peak of the heatwave arrived on July 2 and 3, with temperatures soaring to as high as **40°C**, notably in cities like Frankfurt[2][3]. Most parts of the country have been affected by this extreme heat, except for some coastal and mountainous regions. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings of increased wildfire risks and strong winds accompanying thunderstorms that may develop[2].
However, relief is on the horizon. Forecasts indicate a sharp temperature drop starting Thursday, July 3, with temperatures plummeting from 40°C to around 27°C in Frankfurt and similar declines expected elsewhere in the country[3][4]. This cooling is attributed to the arrival of weather fronts from the Atlantic, bringing thunderstorms and much-needed respite to western Europe.
The current heatwave underscores a broader trend of rapidly warming Europe, which is now the fastest-warming continent globally[2]. Across the continent, record-breaking temperatures have been recorded. In Portugal, a scorching **46°C** was registered, while Spain has experienced its hottest June on record[5]. Heat-related deaths have been reported in Italy, and the Eiffel Tower was closed in Paris due to the extreme heat[6].
In Spain, a tragic incident occurred when a two-and-a-half-year-old boy died of heatstroke after being left alone in a car by his father[7]. Meanwhile, severe forest fires are currently raging in the Brandenburg district of Elbe-Elster, forcing the evacuation of the village of Babben (municipality of Massen-Niederlausitz)[8].
The heat has also taken a toll on infrastructure. A bus carrying over 65 children and 15 chaperones on the A3 in North Rhine-Westphalia experienced a failed air conditioning system on Tuesday afternoon, necessitating the assistance of the Ratingen fire department[9]. Additionally, 48 passengers found themselves stranded in a train near Elsfleth, Lower Saxony for two and a half hours due to a broken air conditioner and a technical defect[10].
The extreme heat has also impacted daily life. Ice cream sales have decreased due to the heatwave, and the second reactor at the Swiss nuclear power plant Beznau near the German border has been shut down due to high temperatures causing warm river water[11].
As the heatwave subsides, a cold front is heading towards Germany, expected to bring heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon, primarily affecting the western and northwestern parts of the country[12]. Slightly lower temperatures are also expected in Western Europe from Wednesday onwards, with strong thunderstorms expected in the east of France and at the border with Germany[13].
Despite the impending relief, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant during this heatwave, particularly in light of the high wildfire risks and health warnings that are still in place.
In light of the upcoming cold front, temperatures in Frankfurt, Germany are expected to drop from 40°C to around 27°C, providing relief from the extreme heat. However, the German Weather Service (DWD) has warned of increased wildfire risks and strong winds accompanying thunderstorms that may develop.
