Germany sets new 41.5°C all-time heat record, with more heat and severe storms forecast for Sunday
On Saturday, Germany’s national temperature record was provisionally shattered for the second straight day, reaching 41.5°C in Saxony-Anhalt. Severe thunderstorms are now forecast to sweep across the country on Sunday.
Record-breaking temperatures
On Friday, the German Weather Service (DWD) recorded 41.3°C in Saarbrücken-Burbach, marking a new national record. That mark stood for just over 24 hours. On Saturday at 16:20, the provisional peak climbed to 41.5°C in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt. The previous all-time high, 41.2°C, was set on 25 July 2019 in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, North Rhine-Westphalia. Across Germany, 46 stations exceeded 40.0°C, 250 stations posted their highest-ever readings, and 211 stations broke June records, according to the DWD.
- Temperature record of 41.3°C set in Saarbrücken-Burbach
- Provisional record of 41.5°C measured in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt
- DWD forecasts up to 42°C in Lausitz, with severe thunderstorms
- Cooler air arrives; temperatures drop to more seasonal levels
Severe thunderstorm warnings
Heat will persist through Sunday, with the DWD forecasting 39 to 41°C in the east and southeast and up to 42°C in the Lausitz region. Elsewhere, 32 to 38°C are expected. The combination of extreme heat and humidity brings a high risk of severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain of up to 50 litres per square metre, large hail, and wind gusts reaching 120 km/h are possible, especially from Sunday afternoon into Monday night.
Tropical nights and warm Baltic Sea
Many areas experienced tropical nights, with overnight lows staying above 20°C. The Baltic Sea surface temperature has hit 20°C, well above the 1991–2020 June average of 12.6°C.
The Baltic Sea surface temperature has now reached 20 degrees.
- June 2026 (observed)
- 20 °C
- 1991–2020 average
- 12.6 °C
Forest fire danger and animal welfare
Forest fire risk remains high. In parts of Lower Saxony, warning level 4 (high danger) was in effect on Saturday, and level 5 (very high danger) is expected on Sunday in Lüchow-Dannenberg. The Animal Welfare Association of Schleswig-Holstein advised dog owners to walk pets only in the early morning or late evening, as heat-stressed asphalt and heavy panting can strain dogs’ cardiovascular systems.
Outlook and climate context
Temperatures will drop noticeably from Monday, with highs around 29°C in the north and rain or thunderstorms in some areas. The DWD notes that extreme weather events like this have become more frequent in Germany due to the climate crisis, with the average number of days above 30°C steadily increasing.
