Germany is heading for its hottest spell of weather so far this year, with forecasters predicting temperatures of up to 38C this week.
The weather has been mixed in recent days, with rain showers and cooler temperatures across much of the country. However, forecasters are now warning of an intense heatwave.
From Wednesday, temperatures are set to rise across central and southern Germany, with highs of around 25-29C. In some southern regions, temperatures could reach 32C.
The heat will continue to build on Thursday, with temperatures climbing to 34C in the south-west. Conditions will remain somewhat cooler in the north, where rain and thunderstorms are possible in some areas.
By Friday, much of Germany is expected to experience peak summer conditions. The German Weather Service (DWD) is forecasting temperatures of up to 25C in the north and as high as 35C in the south-west.
Make sure you’re stocked up on sunscreen, as temperatures are set to rise even further. On Saturday, highs above 30C are expected nationwide.
Meteorologists say Germany could see its first “desert day” of the year, with temperatures reaching at least 35C in many areas. Nights are also expected to remain unusually warm, making it more difficult to get a restful sleep.
How hot it will get?
Both European and American weather models indicate that a high-pressure system will settle over Germany, Austria and Switzerland during the second half of June.
While the models differ in some details, they point to the same overall trend: plenty of sunshine, little rainfall and temperatures well above average for the time of year.
According to projections from the European weather model (ECMWF), the centre of the high-pressure system could sit directly over central Europe around June 18th.
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That would bring temperatures of 24-28C along the coasts in Germany, while inland areas could see highs of 28-34C. In western and south-western Germany, some models even suggest the Mercury could hit 38C.
The American weather model (GFS/NOAA) goes even further, forecasting temperatures above 40C in some regions at the peak of the heatwave around June 21st.
However, forecasts at that range remain uncertain and are still subject to change.
Heat may trigger thunderstorms
As temperatures rise, so does the risk of thunderstorms. Heavy showers and thunderstorms could develop, particularly in areas where warm and humid air accumulates.
The German Weather Service is already forecasting localised severe thunderstorms and heavy rain on Friday.
Meteorologists are also not ruling out isolated severe storms over the weekend.
The north-west and mountainous regions could be particularly affected.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
