Brace Yourself: Severe Weather Ahead for Southern Germany and Beyond
Worsening conditions appear in southern Germany
Stay tuned for storm "Tim" hammering Germany mid-week. Get ready for heavy rain, hail, and even tornadoes, particularly affecting the south and east. Flooding is a serious concern, too.
Find out what lies ahead with meteorologist Bjoern Alexander's insights:
As we approach Pentecost, let's take a look at the weather forecast:
Initially, the severe weather situation will worsen in some regions on Wednesday, increasing the risk of isolated tornadoes. Although the majority of the severe weather threat will dissipate, strong thunderstorms will continue to pose a localized issue until Pentecost Sunday.
What's happening short-term?
While much of the country will enjoy pleasant weather under high-pressure influence, the southern and eastern regions will remain muggy and prone to thunderstorms due to a frontal system. Strong thunderstorms can develop at this boundary, especially with the approaching cold front of storm "Tim" on Wednesday, intensifying the overall situation.
Here comes storm "Tim":
Storm "Tim" is heading towards Western Europe and the British Isles, bringing gusts up to over 100 km/h and air of polar origin. This polar air will collide with the warm air in the south of our country and in the Alpine region, creating an explosive situation that may also be indicated by the temperatures on Wednesday.
Which regions are at risk?
The south and southeast will see temperatures reaching 25 to almost 30 degrees on Wednesday, making them perfect Storm Central. Areas of concern include Bavaria, likely Thuringia, and Saxony, although thunderstorm cell formation will be more fluid due to weather patterns. They'll start forming from the rainy southwest and Switzerland, where pronounced thunderstorm clusters and even supercells can develop.
Understand the risks:
With such intense conditions comes a high risk of flooding, as whole monthly rainfall amounts can fall in just hours — more than most drainage and sewage systems can handle. Moreover, severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain of up to 50 liters per square meter, high lightning rates, medium to large hailstones, and even hurricane-force winds. Furthermore, isolated tornadoes can't be ruled out near severe thunderstorms.
Take precautions and stay informed:
Given the dynamic and potentially dangerous weather situation, it is essential to keep up with developing weather patterns, official severe weather warnings, and advice, and respond accordingly. With trees in full leaf, providing maximum wind surface area, even the slightest breeze or stormy bout can cause damage.
What can we expect next?
By Thursday and Friday, the worst will pass, but we must still prepare for significant thunderstorms locally. Temperatures will vary, with Thuringia and Saxony looking better on Friday, while regions will generally see between 17 and 24 degrees.
Ahead for the Whitsun weekend?
Unfortunately, intense thunderstorms will persist on both the Whitsun Saturday and Sunday, with new storms possible but not yet detailed. Saturday will bring summer-like temperatures and humidity, while Sunday will drop to 16 to 23 degrees.
A ray of hope for Whitsun Monday?
The sun may make a shy return on Monday, with showers and storms shifting to the east.
On the horizon — brighter days ahead?
The weather forecast suggests a budding reconciliation, but don't hold your breath for a full-on summer comeback. Temperatures will hang around the 16°C mark at the coast, with the Upper Rhine reaching a lofty 23°C.
Source: ntv.de
Weather Fact During This Period:
- A severe weather outbreak hit several parts of Europe, including central regions like southern Germany and Czechia, causing heavy rain, hail, flash floods, and storms.
Fun Fact:
- "Supercell" is a term used for organized thunderstorm forms that are capable of bringing heavy rain of up to 50 liters per square meter within a short time, along with high lightning rates.
The Commission has also been consulted on the weather issues arising from the approaching severe weather outbreak, particularly in southern Germany and beyond. Given the risk of supercell thunderstorms, weather-forecasting will be crucial in predicting the heavy rain, hail, and flash floods expected in the region.
