Germany braces for 40°C heatwave with June temperature record at risk as heat dome arrives from France
Forecasters warn that the mercury could hit 40°C in western and southwestern Germany by Friday, threatening the country's June record of 39.6°C set in 2019.
Germany is facing an extreme heatwave that will push temperatures close to or above the 40-degree mark, the German Weather Service (DWD) said on Monday. A persistent high-pressure system, described by meteorologists as a heat dome, is drawing very hot air from France across the country and trapping it for days. The highest temperatures are expected first in the west and southwest, with the Rhine region already under an official extreme-heat warning. By the weekend, the heat will shift eastwards, possibly bringing 40°C to Berlin.
In the west and southwest in particular, it could happen that this mark is broken.
- South: 30–37°C, north: 23–30°C; local severe thunderstorms possible in the south.
- North: 24–30°C, southwest up to 37°C; extreme heat warning along the Rhine.
- North: 27–34°C, elsewhere 32–39°C; heat dome begins to build over Germany.
- West and southwest: 35–40°C; heat dome fully established; risk of thunderstorms in south.
- West/southwest: 40°C possible, June record at risk; some models show 42°C.
- Heat shifts east; Berlin could reach 40°C; cooldown not before early next week.
A possible June record
The current June temperature record of 39.6°C was measured on 30 June 2019 in Bernburg, Saxony-Anhalt. DWD models indicate that Friday could see values around 40°C, and some calculations even point to 42°C over the weekend. If those figures are reached, a new June high would be set. The all-time German record remains 41.2°C, recorded on 25 July 2019 in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, less than four weeks after the June record.
The heat dome
Meteorologists attribute the sweltering conditions to a heat dome, a weather pattern where hot air is held under a vast high-pressure cap and cannot escape. The dome is currently centred over France and will spread into Germany from mid-week. It brings not only scorching sunshine but also moist, unstable air masses that can trigger severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and squalls, especially in the south and southeast.
Urban stress and health warnings
The expected temperatures lie about 15 degrees above the seasonal norm, according to meteorologist Jan Schenk. Large cities such as Cologne and Berlin are particularly vulnerable because asphalt, concrete and dense buildings trap heat. The DWD warns of extreme heat stress, especially for the elderly, children and people with circulatory problems. Multi-day heat is dangerous because indoor spaces barely cool overnight, amplifying the strain.
- Southern Germany
- 4 DWD danger level (1–5)
- Parts of Brandenburg
- 5 DWD danger level (1–5)
Wildfire risk rises
The DWD’s forest-fire danger index is expected to climb sharply. By Thursday, large parts of the south will reach level 4 (high danger), and parts of Brandenburg are forecast to hit level 5 (very high danger). Hot, dry winds and parched vegetation create conditions in which fires can intensify quickly and become harder to control.
Early-week storms and relief timeline
Although the main heat peak is still days away, Monday and Tuesday already bring temperatures of 30–37°C in the south and 23–30°C in the north, accompanied by local thunderstorms with a risk of severe weather. A noticeable cooldown may not arrive until the beginning of next week, with some forecasts hinting at relief around Tuesday, 30 June.
