Severe thunderstorms imminent in eastern parts of Germany, as per the DWD's alert - Severe thunderstorms anticipated across eastern Germany, according to DWD forecast
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms specifically affecting eastern Germany regions, including Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Brandenburg, and northern Bavaria. These storms are expected as a cooler front moves in following a punishing early summer heatwave that brought temperatures close to 40°C (104°F) in parts of Germany.
The predicted effects of these severe thunderstorms in eastern Germany include strong winds and heavy rain, which could be isolated but intense in affected areas. A potential drop in temperature to around 30°C or below over the next couple of days as the storm system passes, providing relief from the recent extreme heat. The storms might exacerbate existing weather-related challenges such as dry conditions and increased risk of forest fires caused by the preceding heatwave.
Possible disruptions to transport infrastructure, especially considering that the heatwave had already caused issues like buckled motorways and impaired rail services in other parts of Germany, could occur in the east due to severe weather conditions.
However, the DWD has not issued a warning for thunderstorms in the southwest or far north of Germany on Wednesday. The thunderstorms on Wednesday are expected to be limited to these regions, and they are not anticipated to move across the regions of Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, or Northern Bavaria.
In the southwest and far north of Germany, wind gusts of up to 80 to 100 kilometers per hour, hailstones with a diameter of up to three centimeters, or heavy rain with up to 35 liters per square meter in a short period are not expected. This means that these regions may not experience the same level of severe weather impacts, such as localized flooding, wind damage, and transport interruptions, as those forecasted for eastern Germany.
In the far north of Germany, heavy rain is anticipated locally on Wednesday, but it is not expected to be as intense as in the east. The thunderstorms moving towards Poland by late afternoon on Tuesday are not expected to affect the southwest or far north of Germany on Wednesday.
Overall, while these thunderstorms bring much-needed cooling relief after extreme heat, they also pose risks of severe weather impacts in eastern Germany. Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Meanwhile, those in the southwest and north of Germany can expect a slightly wetter but generally calmer day.
The Commission has also been informed of the progress of the negotiations on the conclusion of the agreement regarding potential disruptions to transport infrastructure in the east due to severe weather conditions, caused by the thunderstorms affecting regions like Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Brandenburg, and northern Bavaria. In contrast, the weather forecast for the southwest and far north of Germany on Wednesday indicates fewer impacts, with wind gusts of up to 80 to 100 kilometers per hour or heavy rain with up to 35 liters per square meter in a short period not expected, providing a comparatively calmer day.
