Temperatures continue to climb.
Germany Braces for Severe Heatwave and Potential Thunderstorms
Germany is gearing up for a significant heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar well above 30 degrees Celsius by mid-week, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
Starting from Monday, temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or more will gradually spread towards the center of the country. By Tuesday, even the farthest north will approach these high values, with temperatures expected to be between 25 and 29 degrees. In most parts of Germany, temperatures of 31 to 38 degrees are expected in the middle of the week. The highest temperatures will be along the Upper Rhine, Saar, and Mosel.
In the immediate coastal area, temperatures will be below 25 degrees, while the highs will be between 26 and 32 degrees in the shade elsewhere. The new week will be hot in Germany, and the DWD advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying in the shade, avoiding physical exertion, and keeping apartments cool from Wednesday.
The very hot air will shift slowly eastward across Germany on Thursday. The risk of thunderstorms will increase from Thursday, according to the DWD, as atmospheric conditions destabilize and the high pressure weakens.
This heatwave is caused by a persistent high-pressure system, leading to intense solar heating, limited cloud cover, and very hot conditions lasting several days. For the immediate prior days around August 15–16, 2025, southern regions near Switzerland experienced highs of 31-33°C, with a gradual weakening of the high-pressure system leading to an increase in thunderstorm risk.
Therefore, for Germany from Monday to Thursday, expect peak daily temperatures near or above 40°C, particularly on the first days of the heatwave. Thunderstorm activity is likely to increase towards mid to late week.
Detailed forecasts for severe weather and the duration of the heatwave are uncertain, according to the weather service. Clouds will remain scarce until at least Wednesday, with only the north seeing occasional cloud fields.
The Rhine-Main region, Palatinate, northern Baden-Württemberg, and Upper Rhine valley will experience the highest temperatures. Businesses such as ice cream parlours and swimming pools are likely to see an increase in sales due to the hot weather. However, the DWD also warns of heat-related complaints in the middle of the week.
Residents are urged to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this extreme heat, and to monitor the weather forecasts for any updates on the thunderstorm risk.
Service providers like ice cream parlors and swimming pools in the Rhine-Main region, Palatinate, northern Baden-Württemberg, and Upper Rhine valley may see an increase in their sales due to the upcoming hot weather. To provide optimal service, they should ensure that their facilities are well-maintained and that adequate protective measures are in place for both customers and staff.
In addition to the soaring temperatures, the German Weather Service (DWD) predicts an increase in thunderstorm activity from Thursday, which could potentially disrupt service provision. Therefore, service providers should also have contingency plans in place to manage any weather-related disruptions.
