Meteorologists Warn of Heatwave: Temperatures to Soar Up to 38°C in Germany

Germany is set to experience an intense heatwave in the upcoming week, with meteorologists predicting temperatures could reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius. The German Weather Service (DWD) has indicated that the weather will turn increasingly warm, with conditions becoming humid.

Starting Monday, temperatures above 30 degrees will gradually spread across the country, with only the coastal regions expected to remain below 25 degrees. Meteorologist Magdalena Bertelmann noted that the majority of the country will see temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees in the shade.

By Tuesday, the northern parts of Germany will also experience these high temperatures, ranging from 25 to 29 degrees. The DWD anticipates that much of the rest of the nation will face a muggy heat ranging from 30 to 36 degrees, with the hottest areas likely to be the Upper Rhine, Saarland, and Moselle regions.

As the week progresses, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, the heat will intensify, with widespread temperatures of 31 to 38 degrees expected. This trend will lead to increased foot traffic at ice cream shops and crowded swimming pools, as residents seek relief from the sweltering heat.

Interestingly, while there has been significant rainfall in recent weeks, the number of thunderstorms has been notably low. From June 1 to July 31, only 394,000 lightning strikes were recorded across Germany, marking the lowest number in over 15 years, according to the Munich-based lightning detection firm Nowcast.

The summer of July did not feel particularly warm to many, as frequent rain and storms interrupted the sunny days. Meteorologists had issued a range of warnings, from severe thunderstorms to heavy rainfall and even snowfall in the Alpine regions. However, as August unfolds, the scenario is likely to change, and residents should prepare for the heat.

The DWD advises individuals to stay hydrated, remain in shaded areas, limit physical exertion, and work to keep their homes cool during this intense heat period. It also warns that the risk of thunderstorms may increase as the week goes on, adding to the unpredictability of the weather.

Furthermore, the heatwave raises concerns about forest fire risks, especially in Brandenburg, where many districts have reached a danger level of 3 out of 5 for forest fires. Only one district, Prignitz, remains at a lower danger level of 2. This heightened risk is concerning, as the number of forest fires in Brandenburg had already surpassed 200 by early July, exceeding last year's totals. Brandenburg, characterized by its extensive pine forests and low rainfall, has been particularly vulnerable to wildfires.

With the heatwave looming, it is crucial for residents to stay informed about the weather conditions and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.