Extreme heat warnings are in force across Germany this week, with temperatures expected to climb to around 40C on Friday.
If you’re finding it difficult to get on with daily tasks and get a restful sleep you’re not alone: Germany, along with other parts of Europe, is in the midst of an intense heatwave.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued heat warnings across the country this week. A level 2 dark purple warning – the highest possible alert – is in place on Wednesday and Thursday in parts of western and southern Germany, and is expected to be extended throughout the week.
This warning is issued when the heat index exceeds 38C in the early afternoon, signalling extreme heat stress. Meteorologists say temperatures could rise to 40 or even 41C on Friday in the west and southwest of the country.
READ ALSO: How extreme heat is wreaking havoc on daily life in Germany
Across the rest of Germany – aside from the very north – a level 2 purple warning has been issued on Wednesday and Thursday. Later in the week, the heat will intensify across the country, with little relief expected before next week.
During periods of extreme heat, officials urge people to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated and check on elderly neighbours and other vulnerable groups such as people with chronic illnesses.
READ ALSO: Germany’s official advice for how to stay safe in a heatwave
A view of the heat warnings in Germany on Wednesday. Screenshot: DWD
How hot will it get this week?
On Wednesday, temperatures in the west and southwest along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers will reach up to 38C.
Temperatures of more than 30C are also expected across other parts of the country. In both Berlin and Munich, for instance, highs of 31C are forecast.
Unfortunately, there is no relief at night. Experts say it’s possible that temperatures in major cities, especially in the west, will not drop below 24 or 25C overnight.
DWD’s Felix Dietzsch summed it up: “In other words, fully tropical and likely record-breaking conditions, which are actually unbearable without air conditioning.”
Towards the end of the week, it will get even worse.
“Things will keep heating up on Thursday and Friday,” said Dietzsch. According to current predictions, temperatures will reach up to 39C on Thursday and rise further on Friday.
Some forecasts predict local highs of 41C, according to the DWD, “but there is still some uncertainty”, said Dietzsch.
The below map shows the expected temperatures for Thursday.
The temperatures forecast across Germany on Thursday. Screenshot: DWD
On Friday, the heat will spread across the country. Temperatures will remain below 35C only north of the Elbe river and in some areas south of the Danube, officials said.
Elsewhere, temperatures will range between 36 and 38C, and in the southwestern half of the country, they will reach between 39 and 40C in some areas.
The weekend is also set to be extremely hot. The below map by DWD shows the expected heat warnings on Saturday.
The dark purple stands for likely level 2 heat warnings while the dark purple striped area means a level 2 warning is possible. Keep up to date with the current weather warnings in Germany by keeping an eye on The Local Germany’s homepage and checking out the DWD website.
Map shows probable heatwave warnings and possible warnings on Saturday. Screenshot: DWD
“There’s no real relief from the heat in sight,” said Dietzsch. “A slight cooling isn’t expected until the beginning of next week, but according to current forecasts, it will only reach the northwest.”
Otherwise, temperatures are expected to remain above 30C. “This heat wave – which is already breaking records and becoming increasingly extreme – will therefore last at least the entire week.”
Record breaking heatwaves
The previous German record for June was set on June 30th, 2019 in Bernburg, Saxony-Anhalt, when the Mercury hit 39.6C.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Germany since records began was measured just under four weeks later, on July 25th, 2019, reaching 41.2C in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl.
The current heatwave is causing havoc across Europe. France has recorded its hottest day since records began in 1947, with an average temperature of 29.8C and local highs exceeding 44C.
Scientists have shown that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming, primarily caused by burning coal, oil and gas – and warn they are set to become more frequent, longer and more intense.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
