Overview
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) has issued consecutive official heat warnings and forecasts for peak highs of 40–41°C in parts of the west and south, with meteorologists saying June records are likely to be broken.
- On Thursday the DWD’s fire‑danger and grassland indices reached very high levels (stage 4 of 5) in multiple regions, prompting local authorities to warn residents and restrict activities that raise wildfire risk.
- Schools and event organisers have altered operations this week by shortening or moving classes online, cancelling parades and sports, and installing cooling measures at festivals such as Fusion to protect attendees.
- Deutsche Bahn introduced a temporary heat‑cancellation policy for some long‑distance tickets and unions have called for formal ‘cooling breaks’ to protect outdoor and exposed workers during the peak heat.
- Experts warn the wave exposes gaps in buildings and workplace rules, with studies estimating large economic losses if adaptation lags, and forecasts point to a short cool spell early next week followed by likely repeat heat pulses later in summer.