Germany Braces for Record-Breaking Heat

Dangerous Temperatures Forecast Across the Country

Germany is on the verge of experiencing one of the most intense heatwaves ever recorded. Meteorological models are predicting temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with certain regions possibly exceeding national records. The extreme weather, driven by a mass of hot air from North Africa, has already started pushing thermometers upward and is set to intensify in the coming days.

According to forecasts, the heat will first impact the western regions, particularly along the Rhine River and its tributaries. By early next week, areas between Frankfurt and Basel are expected to experience peak temperatures of up to 42 degrees. The German Weather Service (DWD) reports that multiple models suggest even higher values are possible, in some cases up to 44 degrees. Should these predictions materialize, Germany could see a new all-time national temperature record, surpassing the 41.2 degrees registered in Duisburg and Tönisvorst in July 2019.

Eastern Germany to Face Extreme Heat Midweek

By Wednesday and Thursday, the heatwave is expected to shift eastward, engulfing Berlin, Dresden, and the Lausitz region. Even cities that are not typically affected by extreme heat, such as Flensburg, are forecast to reach 30 degrees. Meanwhile, in more vulnerable areas like the Rhine-Main region and southern Baden-Württemberg, multiple consecutive days of 40 degrees or more are likely. Some models anticipate nights that remain near 30 degrees, signaling so-called “tropical nights” with minimal cooling, which poses additional health risks.

Regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Saarland, Brandenburg, and Saxony are also expected to face extreme conditions. The heatwave will likely reach its peak on Wednesday before gradually shifting east and slightly weakening in the west by Thursday, where temperatures are expected to return to around 22 to 26 degrees.

Health Risks and Warnings from Experts

Meteorologists and health experts are sounding alarms about the potential consequences of this heatwave. The DWD warns of significant health risks, particularly for older adults, children, and people with pre-existing conditions. Prolonged exposure can result in heatstroke, dehydration, and circulatory failure. The agency advises immediate preparation, including acquiring cooling devices and staying indoors during peak hours.

Meteorologist Dominik Jung emphasized that this level of heat is not part of a typical summer. “This is not normal,” he stated, highlighting that the intensity and scale of the current heatwave could be unprecedented in modern German history. Officials are urging the public to take precautions now, especially as this is likely just the beginning of prolonged high-temperature periods throughout the summer.

Record Heat Spreads Across Europe

Germany is not alone in facing extreme temperatures. Across Europe, the heatwave has already caused disruption and danger. In Italy, parts of the A4 motorway between Vicenza and Verona had to be closed after the asphalt softened and deformed due to the heat, leading to 30-kilometer traffic jams. In South Tyrol, surface temperatures exceeded 35 degrees, contributing to further road damage.

Austria also reported record-breaking conditions. In Carinthia, temperatures of 38.3 degrees were measured, the highest ever recorded in that region for June. In Klagenfurt, residents endured eleven consecutive days of over 30 degrees, marking a new local milestone.

Southeastern Europe is similarly affected. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, meteorological agencies issued heat warnings for several days with forecasts reaching 41 degrees. Authorities in Croatia warned residents in Zagreb and eastern regions to limit outdoor activities. In Albania and Serbia, emergency services were mobilized to tackle wildfires and rising heat-related risks, with temperatures nearing 39 degrees across parts of the Balkans.

Spain and the Mediterranean Face Critical Heat Levels

In Spain, especially in the inland river valleys and some Mediterranean areas, conditions are becoming increasingly critical. Temperatures of 40 to 42 degrees are forecast beginning Saturday, with the heat expected to peak on Sunday and Monday. The Spanish national weather service notes that only in early July might the extreme conditions begin to ease slightly. Mallorca has already recorded temperatures close to 40 degrees.

This continental heatwave, stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to northern Germany, is broader and more severe than typical summer weather events. Its reach includes regions that rarely see temperatures above 30 degrees, signaling a shift in climatic patterns that experts link to global warming.

Infrastructure and Public Services Under Pressure

The extreme heat is placing increasing strain on infrastructure. Transportation networks, especially roads and railways, are at risk of deformation due to prolonged high surface temperatures. Authorities are closely monitoring motorways and rail lines to prevent dangerous failures. Water demand is surging, and cities are opening public cooling areas, such as fountains and air-conditioned halls, to help citizens cope.

The public is encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, remain hydrated, and avoid physical exertion during daylight hours. Municipalities are also being urged to review their emergency response strategies, including contingency planning for heat-related medical emergencies.

The Week Ahead: Very, Very Hot

While meteorologists are in agreement about the general direction of the heatwave, there is still uncertainty about the absolute temperature peaks. Some models remain conservative, while others suggest the possibility of breaking multiple historical records. The consensus, however, is clear: large parts of Germany and Europe will be subjected to dangerous levels of heat.

If current forecasts hold, Germany could register three consecutive days of 40-degree temperatures in several regions—a scenario that would have been almost unthinkable a decade ago. The long-term impact of this extreme heat, both in terms of public health and infrastructure resilience, is yet to be fully understood.