Germany is heading into an unusually warm spell that could bring temperatures above 30C in some regions, even as October approaches.
Just when many people in Germany have started reaching for jumpers and raincoats, the weather is preparing a surprise.
Forecasts indicate that much of the country will enjoy a spell of warm, sunny weather from this weekend and into next week, with temperatures climbing to levels more typical of mid-summer than late September.
Scientists say human-caused climate change is increasing the likelihood of unusually warm periods and temperature records across Europe, including outside the traditional summer months.
According to forecasts from the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures are expected to rise steadily over the coming days. The warmest conditions are likely in the southwest, where highs of 30C or more are possible, while even northern Germany looks set to experience unusually mild weather for the time of year.
Known in German as an Altweibersommer, it could offer one of the last chances this year to enjoy beer gardens, parks and cycling routes in genuinely summer-like temperatures.
What are forecasters predicting?
Friday was expected to provide an early taste of what’s to come, with sunshine across much of the country and temperatures reaching up to 25C in the west and southwest. The warm-up looked set to continue over the weekend.
By Saturday, temperatures could reach 30C in parts of the Breisgau region, according to the DWD.
Sunday is expected to be even warmer, with highs of up to 31C in the south. Early forecasts for Monday suggest temperatures could climb as high as 32C in some locations.
For many residents, one of the most noticeable features will be the contrast between cool mornings and hot afternoons.
Overnight temperatures may still fall to around 10C to 12C, meaning people could find themselves leaving home in a jacket and spending the afternoon in short sleeves.
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What is causing the warm spell?
Meteorologists say the warm spell is being driven by an unusual weather setup over the North Atlantic.
A low-pressure system near Iceland is acting like a giant pump, drawing very warm air from southwestern Europe northwards towards Germany. As that air spreads across the country, temperatures are climbing well above what would normally be expected at the end of September.
Warm, settled spells like this are not unusual during an Altweibersommer. What makes this episode noteworthy is the intensity of the warmth, with temperatures forecast to exceed 30C in some areas even as October approaches.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
