Southwestern regions brace for heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms this upcoming week. - Southwest region braces for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this week
The Southwest regions of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland are currently under the grip of an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach up to 39°C by midweek. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued heat warnings for these states and surrounding areas, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The heatwave has brought record-breaking early-summer temperatures across Europe, with active heat alerts currently in effect for Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. However, when it comes to rain and thunderstorms, the focus is on the extreme heat conditions and associated alerts, rather than wet weather.
The DWD predicts that Monday will remain mostly dry in these regions, but from midday onwards, there will be frequent showers and thunderstorms. From Tuesday, a mix of showers and thunderstorms is expected, with localized heavy rain, gusty winds, and hail possible in the south. Overnight into Tuesday, there may still be some scattered showers, otherwise, it will be largely dry.
Temperatures on Monday will range between 26 and 28 degrees, with higher elevations experiencing temperatures around 23 degrees. On Tuesday, temperatures could still reach 27 degrees, but Wednesday will be significantly cooler with temperatures ranging between 21 and 23 degrees. Even in higher elevations, temperatures on Wednesday could drop to 16 degrees. Overnight temperatures will drop to 17 to 14 degrees.
Thursday, however, is expected to remain mostly dry in these regions, with occasional light rain showers. Temperatures in higher elevations within Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland will likely be around 22 degrees. The DWD has not provided information about localized heavy rain, gusty winds, or hail for Thursday.
Residents of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland can expect rain and thunderstorms at the start of the new week, but the emphasis remains on the very hot, dry weather conditions rather than wet weather. It is crucial for people to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day to stay safe during this heatwave.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of the environment amidst the ongoing weather-forecasting of the intense heatwave that has brought record-breaking early-summer temperatures in Europe. Despite the expected rain and thunderstorms at the start of the new week, the focus remains on the very hot, dry weather conditions and associated alerts in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
