Germany records 41.5°C all-time high as Bavaria ties 40.8°C record

Temperature records tumble

Saturday saw multiple preliminary records fall across Germany. The DWD measured 41.5°C at 16:20 in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, the highest temperature ever registered in the country. In Bavaria, the Kitzingen station hit 40.8°C at 15:20, equalling the preliminary Bavarian record set the previous day. Kahl am Main reached 40.7°C at 16:40. The previous German record of 40.3°C was set in Kitzingen on 5 July 2015 and had also been the nationwide benchmark since comprehensive weather records began in 1881.

Tropical nights and unprecedented warmth

Overnight temperatures gave no relief. The DWD station at Sandberg in the Rhön recorded a low of 24.7°C, an all-time record for that site since 1965. Such tropical nights (above 20°C) are unusual for June.

We’ve never had anything like this, especially so early in summer.

The meteorologist noted that the heatwave’s intensity so far before the usual July or August peak underlines its exceptional nature.

Rivers and forests under strain

The heat is also stressing natural systems. The Main river briefly touched 30°C on Friday and remained at 29.8°C on Saturday afternoon, while the Danube warmed to 29°C. Such high water temperatures can harm aquatic life. Forest fire danger is rated high to very high across parts of Bavaria due to prolonged dryness.

Sunday forecast and severe weather risk

Sunday will start sunny but thunderstorms are expected to develop later, bringing heavy rain, hail and storm-force gusts. The DWD warns of localised severe weather, though maximum temperatures will stay between 35 and 40°C. The pattern offers no sustained cooldown.

Climate drivers

Extreme heat episodes have become more frequent in Germany because of the climate crisis. DWD data show that the average number of days above 30°C has risen over recent decades. The current event fits that trend, with heat records being challenged early in the summer season.