DWD: Unsettled weather at the start of the week, friendlier in the east and north

Western Germany will appear friendlier overall on Wednesday, even though isolated showers are possible. The north and east, on the other hand, must expect rain, according to Jonas. As early as Tuesday, shower-like precipitation had moved into the northwest and west and had spread to the southwest and central Germany during the day. Especially in the southwest and in the center, there was a risk of heavy thunderstorms with severe weather potential.

Severe weather on Sunday: Two dead in Bruchsal

Local severe weather on Sunday afternoon and into Monday morning had already led to numerous operations by police and rescue services. In Bruchsal, north of Karlsruhe, two people died in an accident on a rain-slicked road, according to the police. The thunderstorms on Tuesday are expected to be weaker than those on Sunday, according to the DWD's assessment.

As early as Thursday, the next rain area is expected from the meteorologist's perspective, moving into Germany from the west. According to current model calculations, a significant improvement in weather is not expected until the coming weekend at the earliest. "Stable high pressure is an option again at the coming weekend at the earliest," said Jonas. However, the weather models are still undecided as to whether the unsettled phase will not even last beyond the coming weekend.

Meteorological vs. astronomical start of summer

Parallel to the weather events, June 1st marks the meteorological start of summer. Unlike the astronomical start of summer, which falls on June 21st this year, the meteorological seasons always begin on the first day of a quarter month. The reason for this is that it makes it easier to compare entire monthly statistics. On June 21st, the sun reaches its northernmost point above the earth and its highest midday altitude of the year.

So, meteorologically speaking, summer has arrived, but there is no talk of stable high-pressure weather for the time being. Those making outdoor plans should, according to the DWD, focus on dry periods, especially in the northeast and east, while expecting showers in the rest of the country.

Outlook: When will stable high-pressure weather return?

The DWD also pointed out that the exact development for the coming weekend still needs to be specified. The authority relies on various weather models for its forecasts, the results of which currently differ. A reliable statement about longer dry periods is therefore not possible at present.

Given the persistently unsettled character, it is advisable to keep an eye on short-term forecasts. Especially in regions with an increased tendency for thunderstorms in the south and in central Germany, heavy rain, hail, or stormy gusts can occur locally.