record-high temperatures reach peak on Wednesday, followed by a cooler period
Germany is bracing itself for a severe heatwave from Tuesday to Thursday, with temperatures predicted to rise into the high 30s and potentially reach 40°C in some regions.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), Tuesday and Wednesday will see temperatures in western, northern, and central Germany climb to the mid-to-upper 30s Celsius. The hottest areas will be in northeast Germany, with peaks of around 38-39°C on Wednesday. Southern Benelux (Belgium and Luxembourg) could even experience temperatures near 40°C on Wednesday[1].
Thursday will see the extreme heat persist, but with the potential arrival of a colder maritime air mass over nearby regions (France and northern Iberia), which may start to bring some relief to parts of western Europe. However, Germany will still be very hot before this cooling begins[1].
During this heatwave, tropical nights with temperatures above 20°C are expected, adding to the heat stress during nights[2]. The heatwave also poses a significant risk of wildfires, especially in southern and eastern Germany[2].
Authorities and weather services advise caution during peak heat hours (11 am to 4 pm), recommending staying hydrated, avoiding exertion, and seeking cool places due to the health risks posed by these high temperatures[2][4].
In the southwestern part, there may be an extreme heat burden. In the southeastern part on Thursday, temperatures will be oppressively hot at 29 to 35 degrees. In the afternoon and evening, localized heavy heat storms are expected from the Black Forest over the Swabian Alb to the Alps[3].
Shower and heavy thunderstorms will move in during the day on Thursday, reaching the southeast by evening. The night of Wednesday and Thursday will be tropical in many places, with temperatures remaining above 20 degrees[3].
Sufficient fluid intake should be ensured on Wednesday, and by Wednesday evening, cloud fields will move in to the northwest, bringing showers and thunderstorms in some places[3]. Wednesday will see peak temperatures of 33 to 39 degrees across most areas, with local areas in the southwest and west potentially reaching 40 degrees[3].
Especially in large metropolitan areas, the very high night temperatures often prevent a restful sleep[3]. Meteorologist Nico Bauer from the DWD says Tuesday will bring plenty of sunshine[3]. The DWD also warns of strong and extreme heat stress on Wednesday, particularly in the southwest[3].
Strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided or moved to early hours on Wednesday, as there is hardly any cooling at night, with temperatures in the west and southwest not dropping below 20 degrees[3].
In summary, from Tuesday through Thursday, Germany will experience severe heatwave conditions with daytime highs between 35°C and 40°C, especially intense on Wednesday, under clear to extremely hot weather[1][2][4]. It is crucial for everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during this period.
[1] https://www.dwd.de/DE/home/medien/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/pressemitteilungen_2022/pm_20220718_heatwave.html [2] https://www.dwd.de/DE/home/medien/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/pressemitteilungen_2022/pm_20220719_heatwave_teil2.html [3] https://www.dwd.de/DE/home/medien/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/pressemitteilungen_2022/pm_20220720_heatwave_teil3.html [4] https://www.dwd.de/DE/home/medien/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/pressemitteilungen_2022/pm_20220721_heatwave_teil4.html
The German Weather Service (DWD) has forecasted severe heatwave conditions from Tuesday to Thursday, with temperatures predicted to rise into the high 30s and potentially reach 40°C in some regions. To stay safe, it's important to stay informed about the weather-forecasting and take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and seeking cool places during peak heat hours.
