Overview
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst warned Friday that strong to extreme heat stress is expected this weekend with many places likely to reach about 40–41 °C and parts of Bavaria, especially Unterfranken/Untermain, forecast as hotspots that could hit roughly 41–42 °C.
- Some single-model runs shown in media projected up to about 44 °C, but leading meteorologists say those are outliers and that ensemble forecasts point to a more likely peak around 40–42 °C.
- Authorities and organisations have already acted: regional football matches and festivals have been cancelled, Deutsche Bahn is offering special ticket flexibilities, and road and autobahn teams are inspecting and closing heat-damaged sections where concrete slabs and asphalt have swollen.
- Health bodies and ministers are urging people to protect vulnerable groups by staying hydrated, avoiding midday sun and checking on neighbours, while reports highlight uneven local preparedness in care facilities and possible shortages of cooling equipment for some workers and institutions.
- Secondary risks include tropical nights that limit rest, rising wildfire danger and late-week severe convective storms in areas where heat and humidity build, with forecasts showing a nationwide easing from Monday though parts of the southwest may stay hot.