Germany faces severe thunderstorms with flash flooding after record-breaking heatwave
After Germany recorded its highest temperature ever at 41.7°C, heavy thunderstorms with hail and flash floods are ending the blistering heatwave. The World Health Organization linked the extreme heat to over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe since June 21.
Record-breaking heatwave peaks at 41.7°C
Germany experienced its hottest day on record Sunday, with the mercury reaching 41.7°C in Neißemünde, Brandenburg, according to the DWD. This broke the previous national record, which had been set only days earlier. On Friday, Saarbrücken-Burbach saw 41.3°C, followed by 41.4°C there Saturday and 41.5°C in Möckern-Drewitz. Across the border, Czechia also set a new high of 41.9°C in Doksany, while Poland recorded 40.5°C. The extreme temperatures prompted warnings for high ozone levels and smog in Prague.
- Germany
- 41.7 °C
- Czechia
- 41.9 °C
- Poland
- 40.5 °C
We will still have thunderstorms with severe weather potential, but at least it cools down and we can breathe fresh air again.
WHO warns of "silent killer" as deaths mount
The heatwave has had deadly consequences across Europe. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that since June 21, more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe due to the high temperatures. He noted that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average and that heat stress is a "silent killer," as many homes, workplaces, and schools are not equipped for such extremes. An estimated 150 million people are experiencing extreme heat, with school closures and power grid strains reported.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth — warming at twice the global average.
Severe storms sweep the country
The heat breakdown is triggering dangerous weather. The DWD has issued warnings for heavy thunderstorms with torrential rain of up to 40–60 liters per square meter, hailstones larger than 3 cm, and wind gusts of around 65 km/h, with isolated hurricane-force gusts possible. The storms began in the southwest overnight and are spreading northeast, forming clusters. By evening they are expected to reach eastern and southeastern Germany before moving into Poland.
- Initial storms in southeast fade; new severe storms spread from southwest.
- DWD warns of heavy rain up to 40 l/m², hail, and wind gusts of 65 km/h in southern Brandenburg and Saxony.
- Storms intensify with rain up to 60 l/m², hail larger than 3 cm, and isolated hurricane-force gusts.
- Thunderstorms shift eastward, moving into Poland.
Safety warnings and local impacts
The DWD urges people to avoid outdoor activities, watch for falling branches and roof tiles, and immediately leave cellars if flooding threatens. Flooding of roads, aquaplaning, and damage from lightning are likely. In a tragic incident, a young man went missing in the Rhine near Bingen after being swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross a water channel.
Cooling settles in, but further storms ahead
After the frontal passage, temperatures will drop to more typical summer levels of 24–29°C. Tuesday is expected to be slightly calmer, but new rounds of showers and thunderstorms could develop by Tuesday night into Wednesday, keeping the weather unsettled. Longer-term models hint at a possible renewed heat build-up late next week.
