Germany's record February warmth sparks an early grill season frenzy
Unusually warm clima has arrived in southwestern Germany weeks ahead of schedule. With temperatures climbing near 20°C in late February, many are firing up their grills far earlier than normal. This rare spell of mild conditions has brought an unexpected taste of spring to the region.
The German Weather Service predicts one of the warmest February days in years on Friday, February 27. Along the Upper Rhine Valley, highs could reach 23°C—far above the usual late-winter chill. Such readings are uncommon for this time of year, making the early grill season particularly notable.
Over the past decade, February temperatures in the Upper Rhine Graben have steadily risen. Data from weather stations in Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Strasbourg show averages climbing from around 3.5°C in 2016 to nearly 6°C by 2025. This trend reflects broader warming patterns across Central Europe.
The mild spell, however, may not last. After Friday's peak, temperatures are expected to dip slightly. Still, many Germans are seizing the chance to enjoy their first barbecues of 2026 while the weather holds.
The early warmth has brought outdoor cooking season forward by weeks. While the spell is likely brief, it marks a rare late-winter heatwave for the region. Residents are making the most of the springlike conditions before cooler weather returns.
