Overview

• Persistent high-pressure systems 'Petra' and 'Quendolin' have created a prolonged dry spell, with rainfall deficits from February to mid-April the lowest since 1931.
• Temperatures are forecast to reach 27–30 °C across much of Germany on May 1, marking an unusually warm start to May.
• Critically low water levels in major waterways like Lake Constance and the Rhine are raising concerns for agriculture, shipping, and ecosystems.
• Wildfire warnings have been elevated to levels 3–5 nationwide, with Brandenburg facing the highest risk due to extremely dry conditions.
• Meteorologists anticipate a rapid temperature drop after the heatwave, with potential ground frost linked to the traditional 'Eisheiligen' period in early May.