Germany is facing another stretch of extreme heat. Widespread temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or more are expected across the west and south as early as Wednesday, the German Weather Service (DWD) announced in Offenbach on Tuesday. Meteorologists issued warnings of intense heat for these regions starting Wednesday morning. The heatwave is then expected to reach its peak on Thursday, with local highs of up to 39 degrees.
The renewed heat is being driven by the high-pressure system "Olaf," which already brought summery temperatures to the southwest on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the system is set to shift toward the southeast, drawing hot air into Germany from the southwest.
Wednesday is expected to be widely sunny and dry, with temperatures climbing above 30 degrees across large parts of the country. Highs of up to 38 degrees are possible along the Upper Rhine. According to the DWD, the risk of severe weather increases on Wednesday evening near the Alps, where isolated strong thunderstorms with gusty winds are possible. Heavy rain may also occur locally.
Many regions are also facing the return of tropical nights, when temperatures fail to drop below 20 degrees. In urban centers in the west and southwest in particular, overnight lows heading into Thursday are expected to hover around 22 degrees. Authorities and doctors are urging increased caution, noting that the heat poses a particular strain on young children as well as older people and those with existing health conditions.
According to the DWD, the heatwave is expected to reach its peak on Thursday. More than 35 degrees are forecast across large parts of Germany, with regional highs of up to 39 degrees. Only the north is expected to stay below 30 degrees, where showers and thunderstorms are also expected to develop over the course of the day. In the west, too, the heat will be somewhat tempered by increasing cumulus clouds and rainfall, the DWD added.
On Friday, the most intense heat gradually shifts southward. In the north, temperatures are expected to reach only 21 to 29 degrees. The northeast also faces the risk of showers and thunderstorms, while the south can expect showers and, at times, strong thunderstorms as well. Even so, temperatures around 33 degrees are still possible in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, with highs of up to 36 degrees possible along the eastern Danube. The heat is expected to persist in the south over the weekend.
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