Overview
- As of July 12, 2026, the Deutscher Wetterdienst forecasts widespread daytime highs around 30–37°C with some models and forecasters warning of localized 36–39°C in western and southwestern regions early next week.
- Night‑time temperatures will stay unusually warm in parts of the southwest, producing 'tropical nights' that cut overnight relief and increase heat stress for city residents and vulnerable people.
- The DWD has raised the forest‑fire danger to widespread level 4 and local level 5, prompting air and forest surveillance and bans or limits on open fires and grilling in many districts.
- Dry conditions are already affecting rivers and farming — low Rhine water levels are forcing ships to carry reduced loads — and public‑health bodies warn that the new heatwave compounds the earlier June crisis that the RKI estimates caused about 5,100 heat‑related deaths.
- Forecasters say the high will hold through early next week but numerical models indicate a possible rise in low pressure and convective storms from about mid‑ to late week, making the timing and severity of any relief uncertain.