Germany Faces Heatwave as Lightning Strikes Hit Record Low

Germany has experienced one of its most lightning-free summers in recent memory, despite significant rainfall in many regions. According to the Munich-based lightning detection company Nowcast, only 394,000 lightning discharges were recorded nationwide between June 1 and July 31. This marks the lowest figure in at least 15 years. The data includes both cloud-to-ground strikes and flashes that remained within the clouds.

Traditionally, June is the most lightning-active month in Germany, followed by July. However, this summer has been dominated by rain without major thunderstorm activity. The German Weather Service (DWD) reported an average of 114 liters of rainfall per square meter in July, but without the large-scale storm systems that usually accompany such wet conditions. In May, only 118,000 lightning discharges were observed—45 percent fewer than the 15-year average. June saw 212,000, a decrease of 61 percent, and July’s 182,000 was 63 percent below average.

The reduced lightning activity was also confirmed by the Aldis/Blids monitoring network, which counted only 23,986 ground strikes in July, compared to 41,129 during the same month last year. Meteorologists attribute the decline to the absence of widespread thunderstorm systems that typically generate high numbers of strikes in Central Europe. Nowcast data shows that, up to August 8, there have been 563,000 strikes this year—on track to break the previous low record of 813,000 set in 2020.

Heatwave Intensifies Across Southern and Western Germany

While thunderstorms have been scarce, heat is now returning with force. Warm, subtropical air masses are moving in from the southwest, causing temperatures to climb rapidly. The DWD has issued official heat warnings for parts of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, including cities such as Freiburg, Konstanz, Munich, Regensburg, and Passau.

On Friday, southern Germany recorded widespread highs above 30 degrees Celsius, with Regensburg and Müllheim am Rhein reaching 32.9 degrees. The heat is expected to build over the weekend, with areas like the Breisgau potentially hitting 35 degrees. Meteorologists warn that the high temperatures will pose a serious health risk, particularly for older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. Authorities urge residents to avoid direct sun exposure, stay hydrated, and keep indoor spaces cool.

The DWD predicts that this will qualify as a true heatwave—defined as at least three consecutive days above 30 degrees—likely extending into the coming week. Weather.com experts warn that by Tuesday and Wednesday, maximum temperatures could reach 37 degrees in regions from the Upper Rhine to the Rhine-Main area, as well as along the Saar and Mosel rivers.

Southern Europe’s Extreme Heat Raises Concerns for Germany

Across southern Europe, record-breaking temperatures have intensified concerns about potential spillover effects into Central Europe. Spain is currently enduring what its meteorological service Aemet describes as its longest heatwave in years, with many regions experiencing around 40 degrees for nearly two weeks. Some areas could exceed 44 degrees in the coming days.

Italy is also bracing for another extended period of extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to surpass 40 degrees in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and the Rome metropolitan area. These conditions are contributing to dangerous wildfire risks, with large blazes already reported in Spain and France. In Turkey, authorities closed the Dardanelles Strait to shipping due to nearby fires and ordered the evacuation of several towns and an elderly care facility.

Possible Link Between Weather Patterns and Lightning Decline

Meteorologists suggest that the same weather patterns bringing prolonged dry heat to southern Europe and heavy rain without storms to Germany may be suppressing the development of large storm systems over Central Europe. According to UBIMET meteorologist Nikolas Zimmermann, the scarcity of extensive storm complexes this year is the main reason for the low lightning count.

The absence of such systems has meant fewer opportunities for atmospheric instability to generate significant thunderstorm activity. While the reduced lightning activity lowers the immediate risk of storm damage, it also reflects an unusual summer weather pattern that could have broader implications for agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety planning.