Sweltering temperatures hit their zenith in Germany
Germany is currently grappling with an extreme heatwave, with different weather conditions affecting various parts of the country. According to meteorological predictions, the west and northwest regions will be cloudy, with isolated showers possible in the morning. The rest of the country is expected to remain sunny and mostly dry [1].
The city of Bremen has issued a health alert, cautioning its citizens, particularly the elderly and those in need of care, about the potential risks associated with high temperatures [2]. To cope with the heatwave, many cities in Germany have published behavioural guidelines, advising citizens to avoid direct sunlight, drink enough water, and move physical activities to cooler morning hours [3].
The heatwave is expected to bring highs of 37 degrees, particularly in the southwest [1]. However, temperatures are expected to drop significantly overnight, with a predicted drop of up to 16 degrees Celsius in most areas, and up to 13 degrees in the south and southeast [4]. Isolated heat thunderstorms can be expected in the mountains in the afternoon and evening [1].
The heatwave is not limited to Germany alone. Firefighters in Southern Europe continue to battle wildfires in countries such as Greece, Italy, and Portugal [5].
Scientific studies and data show a clear increase in extreme heat events, including heatwaves, in Germany, largely attributable to climate change. Recent research projects apply advanced modeling and remote sensing to map and analyze urban heat stress, revealing significant intensification in both frequency and severity of heat stress in German cities [6].
One study, developed by researchers at the University of Freiburg and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, projects a worst-case scenario for Freiburg city where hours with extreme heat stress (above 38°C) could rise tenfold from 7 hours (1990–2019) to 71 hours per year (2070–2099) [6]. The study links increased heat stress to urban features such as building density, limited vegetation, and poor air circulation [1].
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) used satellite data from 2013 to 2024 to map surface temperatures across major German cities, confirming persistent and high urban heat stress during heatwaves [7]. Surface temperature measurements, combined with urban climate models, are helping evaluate how urban development and adaptation measures impact heat exposure [2].
The healthcare sector in Germany highlights the rising health risks of heat waves, estimating over 3,000 heat-related deaths annually. Heat protection in medical facilities is currently inadequate, prompting calls for extensive climate adaptation investments [3].
Broader European data and scientific consensus confirm that heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, directly linked to human-induced climate change. Europe, including Germany, is among the fastest-warming continents, with consecutive record-breaking hot years documented recently [4][5].
Thus, multiple scientific studies using advanced modeling, remote sensing, and epidemiological data conclusively demonstrate that climate change is causing a marked increase in extreme heat events like heatwaves in Germany, necessitating urgent adaptation and mitigation measures.
Almost the entire country is under official heat warnings, with only parts of Schleswig-Holstein and the far northeast expected to have temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius [1]. The current heatwave in Germany is being described as "extreme heat stress" by the German Weather Service (DWD) [2].
In addition, thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and gusts of wind can be expected in the northwest, and isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible in the southwest and west, in the night from Thursday to Friday [1].
[1] Germany Weather Service [2] Bremen City Council [3] German Federal Ministry of Health [4] European Environment Agency [5] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [6] University of Freiburg [7] German Aerospace Center
- The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has used satellite data to reveal persistent and high urban heat stress in major German cities, particularly during heatwaves, providing evidence for climate change's impact on extreme heat events.
- Recognizing the potential risks of extreme heat stress, the healthcare sector in Germany, such as the German Federal Ministry of Health, is advocating for substantial climate adaptation investments, aiming to reduce the estimated annual heat-related deaths of over 3,000.
- A study by researchers at the University of Freiburg and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology projects a significant increase in hours with extreme heat stress in Freiburg city, potentially rising tenfold from 7 to 71 hours per year, underscoring the need for urban development and adaptation measures in response to climate change.
