Berlin and Brandenburg brace for another heatwave day with severe thunderstorms on summer solstice
Temperatures are set to climb to 34°C on the calendar's first day of summer, but the German Weather Service warns of heavy downpours, hail, and storm gusts later in the day.
Heatwave on the first day of summer
On the calendar's first day of summer, Berlin and Brandenburg face another day of extreme heat. The German Weather Service expects highs of 31 to 34 degrees Celsius and strong thermal stress across the region. This follows a scorching Friday, when Cottbus recorded 36.2°C, making it Brandenburg's hotspot.
Severe thunderstorm warning
Relief may come with a price. The weather service warns of severe thunderstorms later today, bringing storm-force gusts, hail, and torrential rainfall. Between 20 and 40 litres of rain per square metre could fall in a short time, raising the risk of flash flooding.
Saturday's storm damage
Already on Saturday afternoon, thunderstorms swept across parts of Brandenburg, causing localised flooding and several fires due to lightning strikes. The fire brigade was also called out for downed trees. The storms hit Cottbus' city festival, forcing organisers to interrupt parts of the stage programme. The festival continues today with thousands expected amid the heat.
Cooling efforts and road stresses
Misting systems in Berlin's Mauerpark and Cottbus, along with public drinking fountains, offered some relief on Saturday. Outdoor pools were packed. Meanwhile, the motorway A13 between Duben and Freiwalde saw traffic restrictions after road surface damage blamed on the extreme heat.
- Cottbus hits 36.2°C, the hottest spot in Brandenburg
- Afternoon thunderstorms cause flooding, lightning fires, downed trees, and interrupt Cottbus city festival
- Forecast: highs 31-34°C, severe thunderstorms with storm gusts, hail, and 20-40 l/m² rain
