Overview
- The DWD has issued official heat warnings for large parts of western Germany with the hottest spell set to arrive on Friday and Saturday and widespread daytime highs of 35–38°C and local peaks near 39–40°C.
- The Oberrhein and other west‑southwest corridors are forecast hot spots where tropical nights and higher heat stress will raise health risks for the elderly, outdoor workers and city residents.
- A northwest‑moving cold front is expected to begin the change on Sunday and bring showers, thunderstorms and a risk of locally severe storms including heavy rain, hail and strong winds.
- Forecast models disagree sharply on how much rain the front will deliver and meteorologists warn that even with weekend storms the low Rhine levels, navigation limits and drought‑related wildfire danger may persist.
- Officials and forecasters urge people to follow heat warnings, protect vulnerable groups, expect travel and shipping disruptions, and watch updated model runs over the weekend for where significant rain will fall.