Thunderstorm chances escalate, potential temperature increase of up to 37 degrees upcoming week.
Heatwave and Thunderstorms Forecast for Germany
Germany is bracing for a heatwave and an increase in thunderstorm activity in the coming days. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures will rise significantly, with parts of the country expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius by midweek.
From Tuesday, temperatures will range from 21 degrees at the coast to 33 degrees on the Upper Rhine. The north and northwest will experience brief showers on Tuesday afternoon, while the highest temperatures will be felt in the Alpine region, with some cumulus clouds but a low likelihood of thunderstorms. However, the risk of thunderstorms will increase at the Alps from Tuesday afternoon.
The western, southwestern, and southern regions are expected to experience the most intense heat and storm development. Cities and municipalities are under scrutiny for their investment in heat protection, with 52% of respondents stating they are not investing enough.
The potential impacts of this weather include heat stress and health risks, particularly in the south-west, where strong heat stress warnings are in place. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with preexisting conditions are at risk, which may strain health services.
Heavy thunderstorms and severe storms are expected to arrive later in the week, increasing the chances of widespread showers, with risks of hail and hurricane-force gusts, particularly in regions such as Bavaria. These storms may provide some relief from heat but threaten localized flooding and wind damage.
Wildfire risk remains critical in some regions, despite recent rainfall. The combination of prolonged heat and dryness has brought elevated wildfire risk levels, notably around Mannheim.
Dust from the Sahara Desert is expected to arrive with the hot air mass, causing hazy skies.
The DWD advises avoiding the heat, drinking enough, wearing light clothing, eating lightly, and avoiding alcohol. Only one in four respondents considered the heat protection measures sufficient in a survey by the polling institute Civey, with 59% of people in large cities expressing dissatisfaction with the measures taken against heat.
The weather for the coming days will be warm and unsettled, but long-term forecasts are associated with greater uncertainties. The DWD does not predict sustained high-pressure weather. The new week begins with temperatures ranging from 21 degrees at the coast to 33 degrees on the Upper Rhine, and the weekend will have plenty of sunshine and potentially high temperatures. The weather will become muggy and hot, making it "rather unbearable for many people."
[1] German Weather Service (DWD) forecast [2] Civey survey on heat protection measures [3] Fire Department Mannheim wildfire risk information
The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts rising temperatures and an increase in thunderstorm activity, with the western, southwestern, and southern regions experiencing the most intense heat and storm development.
As the heatwave advances, residents should pay attention to the heat protection measures, as a Civey survey suggests that only one in four finds them sufficient, especially those living in large cities.
