Berlin and Brandenburg brace for 41°C heatwave, with records likely to fall and highways buckling
Temperatures in Berlin and Brandenburg will climb to 41°C on Saturday and Sunday, the German Weather Service warns, bringing tropical nights, heat thunderstorms, and a string of disruptions from closed motorways to cancelled events.
A severe heatwave is tightening its grip on Berlin and Brandenburg, with the German Weather Service (DWD) forecasting peak temperatures of 41°C over the weekend. The extreme heat is already causing highway damage, forest fires, and event cancellations, while authorities adapt prison routines and warn of drowning risks.
Heatwave peaks over the weekend
Friday will see highs of 33 to 37°C, with the hottest spots in southern Brandenburg. The night to Saturday will be tropical, with lows not dipping below 20°C. On Saturday, the mercury climbs to 38–41°C under mostly sunny skies, though isolated heat thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and squalls may develop in western Brandenburg. Sunday will be similarly scorching: 37–41°C, with the risk of strong but localised thunderstorms increasing in the afternoon and evening.
We are definitely getting close to records.
- Friday: 33–37°C, tropical night (lows 17–22°C)
- Saturday: 38–41°C, isolated heat thunderstorms in west
- Sunday: 37–41°C, risk of strong local thunderstorms
- Monday: cooling to 27–32°C, overnight lows around 20°C
Records within reach
The DWD considers new temperature records probable. Berlin’s all-time high of 38.9°C, set on 7 August 2015 in Berlin-Kaniswall, and Brandenburg’s 38.9°C from 19 June 2022 in Cottbus could both be surpassed. The forecast 41°C would mark the hottest June day on record for the region.
- Berlin record (2015)
- 38.9 °C
- Brandenburg record (2022)
- 38.9 °C
- Forecast weekend peak
- 41 °C
Highways, forests, and events disrupted
Heat damage has already forced the closure of sections of the A2 and A10 motorways. Forest fire danger is rising, with fire crews called to several blazes in Brandenburg on Thursday. Numerous outdoor festivals and sports events have been cancelled or postponed. The Bruno Mars concerts at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Friday and Sunday will go ahead, with free drinking water and relaxed rules on bringing non-alcoholic drinks. The Berlin Philharmonic’s season-closing concert at the Waldbühne on Saturday is also proceeding.
Prisons adapt to the heat
Berlin’s prison service is extending outdoor time into cooler morning and evening hours, allowing more frequent showers, and unlocking cells for cross-ventilation. Inmates can buy fans, and water dispensers have been installed. Menus are being adjusted to lighter fare, and staff working outdoors receive sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Safety warnings after drowning
A teenager died on Thursday in Berlin’s Krumme Lanke lake. Rescue services urge caution, especially for children. Robert Büschel of the DLRG Brandenburg advised entering the water slowly after sunbathing and keeping constant watch on non-swimmers.
If you go to the water with children: keep your eyes on your children!
Cooler air arrives on Monday, with highs of 27 to 32°C and overnight lows around 20°C.
