DWD warns of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gale-force gusts across large parts of Germany

According to the DWD, the partly strong thunderstorms can "develop a significant own dynamic." Near thunderstorms, widespread gale-force gusts of up to about 90 kilometers per hour are possible. NDR weather expert Stefan Kreibohm estimates that wind speeds near thunderstorms in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania could even reach up to 100 kilometers per hour in the afternoon. This already corresponds to storm strength.

From North to East: Thunderstorms, hail, and strong gusts

Bremen and Lower Saxony are also caught in the thunderstorm front: gale-force gusts of around 65 to 95 km/h are expected there, with isolated hurricane-force gusts of around 110 km/h. In addition, there will be small-grained hail up to two centimeters in diameter. In Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, the DWD also expects strong thunderstorms, gale-force gusts, and hail.

For Berlin and Brandenburg, the DWD announces partly severe thunderstorms and severe weather. Gale-force gusts of up to 80 km/h, locally even up to 105 km/h, are possible; in isolated cases, there may also be heavy rain and hail. In the Alps and from the Ore Mountains to the Zittau Mountains, heavy or continuous rain with up to 30 liters per square meter in twelve hours is not ruled out.

Outlook: Short break on Saturday, new thunderstorms on Sunday

In the northwest, southwesterly and westerly winds will pick up significantly, according to the DWD, with stiff gusts possible on the North Sea coast. Two low-pressure systems in northern Germany will cause heavy rain, thunderstorms, and locally strong wind gusts. Thunderstorm activity is expected to subside on Friday night, but will be replaced by rain.

According to the DWD's assessment, thunderstorms are also possible on Friday, with strong gusty winds, especially on the North Sea coast. On Saturday night, temperatures will drop to between 13 and 8 degrees Celsius, with fog forming in some areas. Saturday will bring a short break from thunderstorms, according to the DWD, before new thunderstorms move in again in the north on Sunday.

On Saturday, maximum temperatures of around 19 degrees are expected on Sylt and up to 21 degrees in Hamburg, accompanied by rain showers. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is likely to remain largely dry on Saturday, according to the DWD, with similar temperatures. On Sunday, temperatures in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will rise to up to 23 degrees, despite showers and thunderstorms.

Side effect: Northern Lights possible at night

NDR weather expert Frank Abel also explained that northern lights could be visible on the coming night. There had been a massive coronal mass ejection from the sun. The solar storm is expected to reach Earth on Friday night. Whether the spectacle can actually be observed depends on how quickly the clouds move eastward and whether the Earth's magnetic field cooperates. Since the nights are currently very short, the glow might fade somewhat during the brief period of darkness.

The DWD advises securing loose objects in the affected regions, avoiding outdoor activities during thunderstorms, and following further warnings from the weather service. Road traffic may also be affected by fallen trees, flooded roads, and reduced visibility.