Overview
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst and multiple forecasters say a heatwave will begin around Wednesday, driven by a high‑pressure ridge from the southwest that will send subtropical and Saharan air into central and southern Germany.
- Models and meteorologists project widespread daytime highs above 30°C for several days and local peaks in the high 30s, with several runs indicating a realistic chance of 39–41°C in Rhine Valley and southwest hotspots around 20–22 June.
- Forecasters warn that the hot, humid air mass will increase the threat of severe convective storms at the heat's edges, with locally very heavy rainfall (up to about 20–30 litres per square metre in short periods), large hail and damaging gusts possible.
- Health experts emphasize acute risks for older people, children, pregnant people and those with chronic illness, noting warm nights will hinder recovery and that the RKI estimated roughly 2,500 heat‑related deaths last year.
- Significant forecast uncertainty remains because small factors such as cloud cover or early storms can change peak temperatures, and meteorologists say if the blocking pattern holds through the Siebenschläfer period the episode could signal a prolonged, unusually hot and stormy summer, so authorities urge preparedness.