Germany under nationwide heat warning as temperatures climb to 38°C, severe storms forecast
The German Weather Service issued heat warnings for nearly the entire country on Friday, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C in the west and southwest, and severe thunderstorms expected in many regions.
Nationwide heat alert
Almost all of Germany is under a heat warning on Friday, the German Weather Service (DWD) said. Temperatures are forecast to reach 30 to 38 degrees Celsius, with the highest values in the west and southwest. An extreme heat warning applies to several regions in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and parts of Hesse between 11:00 and 19:00.
The DWD urged people to avoid the heat where possible, drink plenty of water and keep indoor spaces cool.
Avoid the heat if possible, drink enough water and keep indoor rooms cool.
Regional temperature peaks
North Rhine-Westphalia is expected to be the hottest federal state on Friday, with highs of 37°C. In Berlin and Brandenburg, temperatures will reach 33 to 35°C, while central regions including Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia may see up to 36°C. Coastal areas and the far north remain cooler, with 24 to 29°C.
- West & Southwest
- 38 °C
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- 37 °C
- Berlin/Brandenburg
- 35 °C
- Northern coast
- 29 °C
Thunderstorm and severe weather risk
Thunderstorms are expected to develop on Friday morning in the west and northwest, some with heavy rain, small hail and gale-force gusts. In the afternoon and evening, new storms will form, particularly over the central uplands, with a risk of severe weather including intense rainfall, hail and squalls.
In Südbaden and Swabia, gusts exceeding 100 km/h are possible. Overnight into Saturday, another wave of storms will move in from the west, potentially reaching severe levels before weakening as it shifts eastward.
Weekend outlook and cooling trend
Saturday will remain hot, with highs again between 30 and 38°C and locally severe thunderstorms. On Sunday, temperatures may still peak at 38°C in the southwest, but conditions will gradually ease. By Monday, highs are forecast to drop to 27–32°C with a weaker northeasterly wind.
- Nationwide heat warning, highs 30–38°C; severe thunderstorms developing in the west and central uplands.
- Heat continues, 30–38°C; isolated severe storms with heavy rain, hail and squalls.
- Still hot, locally up to 38°C in the southwest; conditions begin to ease.
- Cooling sets in; highs drop to 27–32°C, only isolated showers.
Health risks highlighted
Extreme heat poses a serious health risk, particularly for older people, those with pre-existing conditions and children. Verena Bentele, president of the VdK social association, stressed the dangers.
Extreme heat can be just as deadly as extreme cold – many decision-makers are still not sufficiently aware of this.
Authorities reminded the public to stay hydrated, seek shade and look out for vulnerable groups.
