Germany braces for heatwave as DWD issues warnings for southwestern states
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued official heat warnings for Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and parts of other southwestern states, with temperatures expected to reach 38-39°C on Friday and Saturday.
Official heat warning
The German Weather Service (DWD) has activated a heat warning for Thursday, 18 June 2026, from 11:00 to 19:00, covering Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Bavaria. The alert follows the agency's definition of a heatwave as a multi-day period of unusually high thermal stress, with significant health risks, especially for older and sick people. The DWD's warning system is based on perceived temperature and a simulation model for indoor heat load, aiming to alert the public before health risks peak.
Temperature forecast
Wednesday saw the year's highest temperatures so far, with Müllheim in Baden reaching 32.7°C. On Thursday, the heat intensifies: highs of 34-37°C are expected in the southwest, 27-33°C in the north and east. The peak is forecast for Friday, when temperatures could climb to 30-39°C across much of the country. Saturday remains hot, with 31-37°C. Tropical nights, where temperatures stay above 20°C, are predicted for western cities. Coastal areas on the North and Baltic Seas will stay significantly cooler, with highs of 21 to 25 degrees on Thursday, providing a sharp contrast to the inland heat.
- 2026-06-17
- 32.7 °C
- 2026-06-18
- 37 °C
- 2026-06-19
- 39 °C
- 2026-06-20
- 37 °C
Historical records at risk
The coming days may challenge long-standing records. Germany's highest-ever June temperature is 39.6°C, measured on 30 June 2019 in Bernburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Hesse's June record is 39.3°C, set in Frankfurt on the same date. The all-time German high remains 41.2°C from July 2019. So far in 2026, the warmest day was 26 May, when 33.4°C was recorded in Waghäusel-Kirrlach.
- Germany June record (2019)
- 39.6 °C
- Hesse June record (2019)
- 39.3 °C
- Germany all-time (2019)
- 41.2 °C
- 2026 year high (26 May)
- 33.4 °C
Health and safety guidance
DWD meteorologist Marcel Schmid recommended drinking plenty of water, eating light foods, and avoiding direct sun during the hottest hours.
He also urged residents to stay updated on warning levels.Avoid direct midday and afternoon heat, keep your living spaces cool, and keep your body cool.
Thunderstorm risk
Despite the heat, the atmosphere remains unstable. The DWD warns of afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in mountain areas. On Friday and Saturday, these may turn severe, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Interactive weather maps from providers such as Windy.com show live thunderstorm tracks and UV exposure, offering real-time situational awareness. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model feeds into the predictions, supporting timely alerts.
