Germany faces third heatwave this summer, temperatures may hit 37°C on Monday

Source: Thomas Warnack / dpa

For the third time this year, temperatures approaching 35°C are forecast for Germany. The cause is a heat dome over Western Europe, raising concerns about low water levels and an increased risk of forest fires in some regions.

Heat Dome Brings Extreme Temperatures

"It is getting hot again," reports the German Weather Service (DWD). "After the unusually early heatwave at the end of May and the extreme heatwave at the end of June, the southwest is now facing the third heatwave of this summer."

Meteorologist Christian Herold explains that a so-called heat dome is responsible. The focus of this dome is over Western Europe, with Germany initially positioned on its eastern edge. As a result, the southwest will be the first region affected, with maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C. In the northeast, however, a northwesterly current is still bringing comparatively cool Atlantic air.

Weekend Forecast

In the coming days, the hot air will increasingly push toward the northeast. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 35°C over the weekend, and according to the DWD, could climb to 37°C on Monday.

"At the beginning of the new week, maximum temperatures below 30°C are expected only in the north, northeast, and in the higher elevations of the low mountain ranges," Herold said. "However, record temperatures like those at the end of June are not expected based on the current situation."

Perceived Temperature and Nighttime Cooling

The air is initially still comparatively dry, which means the perceived temperature will be somewhat lower than during the last heatwave, despite the high air temperatures. Nights can also cool down relatively well at first, especially outside metropolitan areas.

Dryness and Fire Risk

"However, with the persistent heat, the dryness will intensify again, especially in the southwest," Herold explained. "The already dry soils are drying out further, water levels in many rivers are dropping, and the risk of forest fires is rising again."

Outlook

How long the heatwave will last remains unclear. Weather models indicate increasing low-pressure influence toward the end of the coming week. This would make the air more humid and muggy, increasing the potential for strong thunderstorms. At the same time, a gradual decrease in temperature is emerging.

dpa/lfb