Heatwave in Hesse Continues – Temperatures Up to 40 Degrees and Thunderstorms Expected

Forecast for the Coming Days

The weather outlook for the rest of the week remains tense. On Tuesday, with maximum values between 31 and 37 degrees, it will be very hot again. Isolated showers and thunderstorms remain possible, but it will largely remain dry. On Wednesday, it will become somewhat hotter again with maximums of 34 to 39 degrees.

hr meteorologist Tim Staeger did not rule out that the previous June heat record in Hesse could be exceeded. The previous record is 39.3 degrees Celsius, measured on 30 June 2019 in Frankfurt. Should the thermometer exceed this mark, it would be a new all-time record for a June day in Hesse.

Possible Temperature Record

Also on Sunday afternoon and evening, localized showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain are possible. This could bring up to 30 liters per square meter of rain in a short time. The combination of heat and sudden rainfall poses risks for flooded basements and overflowed streets.

hr meteorologist Peter Schwarz explained that it should be less sultry from Thursday. However, the weather models disagree on whether there will then also be a slight cooling. The uncertainty in the forecast therefore remains high.

The persistent heat is already having concrete consequences for people in Hesse. At Frankfurt Airport, passengers of a plane ready for departure were stuck in extreme heat for more than an hour because the departure was delayed. Several people complained of feeling unwell and had to be treated by emergency services.

Consequences for the People

Severe storms have also left their mark in the region. In Braunfels-Philippstein (Lahn-Dill-Kreis), Runkel-Arfurt (Limburg-Weilburg) and in Wetzlar, hail, flooded basements, fallen trees as well as damage to cars, roofs and church windows caused considerable devastation.

The persistent heat and the thunderstorms place additional burdens on the municipalities in Hesse. The Hessian cities and municipalities are complaining about a difficult financial situation and are calling for relief. According to their own statements, the federal government and the state have incurred billions in debt, which ultimately affects the citizens.

Health Risks

Meteorologists advise taking the heat periods seriously. High temperatures over several days can become a health burden, especially for older people, children and persons with pre-existing conditions. Sufficient fluids, staying in cool rooms and reducing physical exertion are recommended protective measures.

While the weather situation in Hesse remains tense, meteorologists are also looking beyond the state borders. In Paris, temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius are expected in the coming days. The heatwave is thus part of a larger European weather phenomenon affecting several countries simultaneously.

Municipal finances remain a permanent issue in Hesse. The demand of the cities and municipalities for financial relief is directed equally at the federal and state governments. The debate about how the costs of climate impacts, infrastructure and social tasks can be fairly distributed is not yet concluded.

Municipal Burdens

Already now, the practical effects of the heat on everyday life are becoming apparent. Whether at the workplace, in schools or in public transport – the high temperatures require adjustments. Air conditioning, shaded lounges and changed working hours are increasingly becoming standard to protect the health of the population.

The German Weather Service announced that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and issue new warnings if necessary. Citizens are asked to follow the official warnings and take precautionary measures. The next heat phase may only lose intensity towards the end of the week.

Overall, the current weather situation illustrates the growing importance of climate change for everyday life in Hesse. More frequent and intense heatwaves, sudden heavy rainfall events and the increasing burden on municipal budgets are developments that demand political answers. The coming days will show whether the forecast extreme temperatures are actually reached.