Overview
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst expanded official heat warnings to nearly the whole country for this week, forecasting the peak on Thursday with daytime highs of mid-30s to around 38–40°C in the Upper Rhine and tropical nights that keep temperatures above about 20°C.
- Health authorities and local fire services warn the heat is dangerous for older, ill or isolated people and advise drinking non‑alcoholic fluids, avoiding strenuous activity in the hottest hours, never leaving children or animals in cars and calling 112 for medical emergencies.
- Prolonged heat and drought are lowering river and reservoir levels, producing visible effects such as exposed wrecks in the Danube and low Rhine flows, and Berlin’s health authority LAGESO has registered a Vibrio-related fatality linked to warm coastal waters.
- Forestry and weather agencies report high to very high wildfire danger in large areas including much of Bavaria, while municipalities and multi‑agency teams say they are prepared and are offering cooling spaces and operational measures.
- Forecasters say a fast-moving northwest front will follow the heat with storms, strong gusts and possible hail, and the heat has intensified political debate over preparedness after controversial remarks by AfD politicians drew public criticism.