Overview
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst issued overlapping heat and thunderstorm warnings on Sunday that cover large parts of Germany and flag the greatest storm danger for southern Brandenburg, eastern Saxony, Saxony‑Anhalt and Thuringia.
- The DWD warned storms could reach its highest alert, Stufe 4, meaning immediate danger to life from extreme hail, very heavy rain and orkan‑like gusts in isolated areas.
- Temperatures are widely in the low‑to‑upper 30s Celsius with models showing the southwest could locally reach about 39–40 °C in the coming days, increasing stress on roads and infrastructure.
- The situation has already caused injuries from a lightning strike at a Rastatt sport event, festival interruptions and road damage with speed limits and lane closures reported on the A13, and authorities are urging hydration, reduced exertion and cool indoor spaces.
- Teachers’ unions and health agencies are pressing for binding heat‑protection rules for schools and workplaces while officials say people should follow local DWD warnings and watch for sudden, localized storm development.