Heat Wave Hits Germany: A Weather Alert for the South!
Hot temperatures return midweek. - Returning heat from the middle of the week
Hey there! Let's dive into the weather forecast for Germany over the coming days, with a focus on the sunny southern half! Here's the scoop:
After a weekend of heatwaves and scattered thunderstorms throughout the country, the weather in Germany is predicted to calm down temporarily. The German Weather Service (DWD) foresees highs in northern Germany between 20 and 24 degrees, with coastal regions lingering around 18 degrees and chances of rain. In contrast, the sunnier southern half of the country is expected to see highs of 25 to 31 degrees, especially during clear skies and dry conditions.
This tranquility won't last long, though! A low-pressure system originating from southwestern Europe is forecasted to move in overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, reconsuming the country with hot, southerly winds, raising temperatures to 30 degrees or more in the southern half, with the Upper Rhine region potentially experiencing temperatures up to 35 degrees. This weather shift might also lead to an uptick in severe weather, as DWD meteorologist Tobias Reinartz warned, "Strong thunderstorms are expected to hit at least the western parts of the country overnight Wednesday into Thursday, eventually affecting the entire country."
Because of the upcoming heat, events such as thunderstorms have already occurred, particularly in Bavaria and Dresden. These storms took a toll on the areas – in the Upper Palatinate, a fire ignited after a lightning strike, while in Furth im Wald, manhole covers were dislodged, and fallen trees blocked roads. Thunderstorms also affected Dresden, as a lightning strike started a rooftop fire in a multi-family house. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Over the weekend, numerous swimming-related incidents unfolded, such as in Bavaria, where an 88-year-old man was found lifeless in the Lugenausee. He was resuscitated but passed away in the hospital later. Another elderly swimming enthusiast drowned when he was unable to return to his pedalo on the Staffelsee. Despite an extensive search, his body was not found. On Sunday afternoon, a 37-year-old man drowned in the Altrheinsee.
As a result of the severe weather forecast, the zoo in Stralsund, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, closed its doors on Monday due to the prediction of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds. Additionally, deteriorating conditions made it difficult for firefighters to combat a commercial building blaze in Gifhorn, Lower Saxony, which eventually collapsed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Looking ahead, the weather ahead from Wednesday is expected to remain partly cloudy, with thunderstorms starting Wednesday night and expanding westward throughout Thursday. Temperatures will drop to 21 degrees in the Upper Rhine area and around 12 degrees in the northeast. While it will be generally cloudy on Thursday, meteorologist Reinartz suggests, "Looking at the weekend, it currently appears that high pressure will prevail in the south with warm or even hot conditions." In the northern half of the country, however, conditions will stay unsettled and cooler.
So, if you're living in the southern half of Germany, the Upper Rhine, or Bavaria, make sure to stay safe and stay tuned to local weather updates! Don't forget to slather on the sunscreen and pack your sunglasses! Stay cool, y'all!
- Weather Forecast
- Germany
- Heatwave
- Thunderstorm
- Severe Weather
- Bavaria
- DWD
- Southwestern Europe
- Tobias Reinartz
- Sunshine
- Swimming
- Zoo Closure
- Fire Department
- Police
- As per the weather forecast, the coming days are significant for the southern half of Germany, particularly Bavaria, due to the heatwave and the potential for thunderstorms, as warned by meteorologist Tobias Reinartz.
- The German Weather Service (DWD) points out that the environment, especially in the southern regions, may pose increased hazards during the heatwave, with potential risks such as fires, road blockages, and even rooftop fires resulting from lightning strikes.
