Germany Is "Boiling"; Severe Storms Also Forecast

In western and southwestern Germany, temperatures are expected to reach 38°C. In the far north, temperatures will range between 24°C and 29°C, while most other parts of the country are forecast to see highs of 30°C to 35°C, Spiegel reports.

An extreme heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for several regions, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and parts of Hesse. In contrast, some municipalities in the far south are not subject to the warning.

"Avoid heat exposure whenever possible. Drink plenty of water and keep indoor spaces cool," the German Meteorological Service advised, warning that the high temperatures could pose serious health risks.

According to the forecast, isolated but potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop and persist until Saturday morning.

Heavy rainfall, hail, strong wind gusts, and severe storms are possible in some areas. In southern Baden-Württemberg and the Swabia region, wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 100 km/h.

The German Red Cross (DRK) has called for better protection of homeless people during periods of extreme heat, noting that many lack access to air-conditioned or cooled spaces. The organization urged local authorities to provide cooling shelters and public drinking-water stations.

Organizers of the Southside Festival in Neuhausen ob Eck, Baden-Württemberg, where around 60,000 visitors are expected, have installed additional water stations, cooling areas, and sunscreen dispensers. Meanwhile, at the Hessentag festival in Fulda, medical services have expanded their capacity in anticipation of heat-related incidents.

Doctors and event organizers are urging visitors to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, cover their heads, and avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.

For the first time this year, temperatures in Germany have exceeded 35°C. The highest temperature recorded so far was 35.6°C at the Saarbrücken-Burbach weather station, according to a spokesperson for the German Meteorological Service (DWD), who noted that the figures are preliminary.

In Müllheim, located on the Upper Rhine, temperatures reached 35.4°C, while a high of 35.1°C was recorded near the French border.