Overview
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst has issued official heat warnings for more than 100 districts and several federal states, citing high thermal burden and urging people at risk to avoid exertion and stay hydrated.
- Temperatures have risen quickly from the southwest and forecasters expect broad mid‑30s Celsius with some model runs projecting local peaks around 38–40°C later this week.
- Meteorologists say the pattern is driven by a strong, slow‑moving high‑pressure ridge (named 'Gorgias' in coverage) funneling subtropical and North African air across the Iberian Peninsula and France into Germany.
- After the peak heat, forecasters warn of a heightened chance of severe, localized thunderstorms that could bring heavy rain, large hail and damaging gusts, with the DWD saying 'extreme Unwetter' cannot be ruled out on Friday.
- Forecasters disagree on how long the hot spell will last: some models show a short break next week while others project an extended run of Hitzetage in southern urban basins, raising concerns about tropic nights, urban heat‑island stress and impacts on health and infrastructure.