Overview
- The heatwave that peaked late July produced provisional July temperature records above 40°C at several weather stations, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
- The Robert Koch Institute’s estimates put heat-related deaths this year at roughly 9,800–10,000, underscoring acute public‑health impacts from sustained high temperatures.
- A large fire on a former military training area in Jüterbog has burned about 250 hectares and cannot be attacked directly because unexploded munitions force indirect suppression and limit safe access.
- Smaller blazes have also demanded big responses: a defective baler started a 2.5-hectare field fire in Groß Lessen and a 2.5-hectare forest fire west of Hainburg is under criminal investigation, with firefighters using drones, water-shuttle tactics and mutual aid to fight the flames.
- River gauges on the Rhine and Danube are at historic lows (Kaub about 29 cm), cutting shipping loads and pressuring power generation while recent thunderstorms have toppled trees, caused injuries and added strain to already stretched emergency services.