Offenbach, 28 May 2026
The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a severe weather warning for northern Germany on Friday, forecasting strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, and storm gusts.
After a sunny start to the day, stormy conditions are expected to develop from the afternoon onward. The DWD warned of 'strong thunderstorms' moving in from the west, specifically affecting Lower Saxony and Bremen.
The forecast includes heavy rain of around 20 liters per square meter, hail, and storm gusts reaching 80 kilometers per hour. Locally, conditions could worsen significantly.
In some areas, severe storm gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour are possible, with heavy rain potentially reaching 35 liters per square meter. The DWD emphasized that there is a local risk of severe weather.
Regional Breakdown of the Storm Threat
In the evening hours, the focus of the severe weather will be west of the Weser River. During the night, this focus is expected to shift to southeastern Lower Saxony while gradually weakening.
Strong thunderstorms with heavy rain, storm gusts, and hail are also forecast for Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. However, the probability of local severe weather there is somewhat lower than in areas further south.
Nevertheless, severe storm gusts of around 100 kilometers per hour remain possible further north. The focus area for severe weather in the north lies between Dithmarschen and Lauenburg.
During the night, the thunderstorms will move eastward, according to the DWD. Meteorologist Nico Bauer stated, "Stellenweise muss dann mit heftigem Starkregen, größeren Hagel und schweren Sturmböen gerechnet werden."
A Nation Divided by Weather
The weather situation contrasts sharply with conditions in the southern half of the country. Bauer noted, "In der Südhälfte merkt man von alldem aber noch nichts. Dort gibt es am Freitag nochmals bestes Badewetter."
In low-lying regions in the southwest and west, the heat mark of 30 degrees Celsius is likely to be reached again. The DWD said, "Die besten Chancen auf längeren Sonnenschein gibt es im Nordosten."
Morning temperatures across the country ranged from five to 17 degrees, with daytime highs expected to climb to between 25 and 31 degrees. The south will remain humid and hot.
Bauer commented on the humidity, saying, "Da die Luft im Vergleich zu den Vortagen deutlich feuchter ist, ist in diesen Regionen Schwitzen angesagt." The contrast between the stormy north and the hot south defines Friday's weather.
The severe weather warnings come after a period of intense heat. The DWD continues to monitor the situation as the thunderstorms are expected to move eastward overnight.