Torrential storm approaching: German meteorological service in heightened state of readiness.
Summer in Germany has been far from idyllic, with stormy weather continuing to disrupt the usual sunny days. The German Weather Service (DWD) has forecasted more of the same for the coming days, offering little hope for a long-lasting, beautiful summer.
Across the country, regular showers and thunderstorms are expected, accompanied by strong gusts of wind. The meteorologists attribute this unusual mix of extreme heat and severe storms to shifting weather patterns. A heat dome over central Europe is pushing very hot air masses into Germany, while colder maritime air intrudes from the Bay of Biscay, creating strong temperature contrasts that destabilize the atmosphere and generate storms.
The DWD has announced severe storms, including heavy rainfall, wind speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, and hailstones up to three centimeters thick. In some regions, it could rain up to 20 liters per square meter. The stormy weather has been affecting Germany since yesterday night, causing aquaplaning in many places due to heavy rainfall.
The stormy weather has been severe enough to spin the country, with the far south and southwest expected to experience brief and locally limited thunderstorms. Strong thunderstorms and gusts of wind between 65 and 80 kilometers per hour are forecasted.
Despite the stormy conditions, there are glimmers of hope. From Thursday, it is expected to get warmer again, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 30 degrees. By Friday and Saturday, some summer feelings may return. However, the pattern of alternating extreme heat and powerful storms is likely to continue, with ongoing risks of thunderstorms and severe weather events over the coming days.
The intense heat is expected to persist with temperatures reaching the upper 30s to around 40°C in some parts of Germany through early July. Recent events include a powerful thunderstorm that caused chaos in Leipzig on July 15 and widespread severe weather throughout July so far. This pattern is indicative of increasing climate volatility affecting Europe this summer.
People in Germany continue to wait in vain for summer. The warm weather with plenty of sunshine is not expected to last, and the number of such days in the country by 2025 is uncertain. As such, people are advised to make the most of the sunny, warm days while they can.
Sources: [1] Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) [2] Tagesspiegel [3] Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) [4] Spiegel Online
Other regions in Germany may experience similar weather-forecasted patterns, mirroring the severe storms and heavy rainfall seen across the country. With the German Weather Service (DWD) anticipating more of the same weather for the coming days, it's crucial for residents to remain vigilant and prepare for potential weather-related disruptions.
