German Weather Service reports new heat records – 40 degrees exceeded at several locations

Where the records fell

On Saturday, the day is expected to begin bright to partly cloudy. In the east, showery rain is initially expected. As the day progresses, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to move from the central western part of Germany toward the Alps. Maximum temperatures will range between 24 degrees in the north and up to 32 degrees in the rest of the country.

Weather change on Saturday

The authorities pointed to the health risks of high temperatures, particularly for elderly people, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The DWD recommended staying in cool indoor spaces during midday hours, drinking sufficient fluids, and reducing physical exertion outdoors.

The new peak values are part of a series of heat records that the DWD has registered since the beginning of automated measurements in Germany. Comparable benchmarks were last measured in July 2022 and August 2023. At that time, values had likewise risen above 40 degrees.

Health advice

The German Weather Service is monitoring the further development. If the forecast showers and thunderstorms on Saturday rapidly displace the hot air mass, a significant drop in temperature is to be expected. During the night from Saturday to Sunday, values of around 16 degrees are expected in the north and around 20 degrees in the south.

The heat wave is also putting strain on infrastructure. On several railway lines in southern Germany, operators reported delays due to rail deformations and technical disruptions. Agriculture in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria expects harvest losses according to DWD data, as soils in many regions have already been dried out for weeks.

Research and classification

Climatologists point out that, according to the current state of research, such heat waves in Central Europe are linked to altered atmospheric circulation and rising global average temperatures. The DWD is evaluating the current measurement data and plans to publish a preliminary climatological classification in early August.