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WEATHER

Germany records hottest temperature of year as country braces for more heat

At 38.6C, the highest temperature in Germany so far this year was measured on Sunday in the western city of Trier, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).

Germany records hottest temperature of year as country braces for more heat
Beachgoers in Timmendorfer Strand (Beach) in Schleswig-Holstein on Sunday. Photo: DPA

High temperatures were also logged at weather stations in Kahl am Main in Bavaria, and at Frankfurt Airport, with the Mercury reaching 37.5C at both locations.

The previous highest temperature of the year 38.5C – measured on July 31st in Rheinfelden in southern Baden. 

In the summer of 2019, Germany's hottest day ever was recorded, with the Mercury reaching 42.6C in Lingen, Lower Saxony.

Warm temperatures to come

Germany saw an especially warm weekend, in which temperatures around the country ranged from 32 to 38C, while pools and lakes around the country filled to maximum capacity.

READ ALSO: Heatwave in Germany: Temperatures up to 38C expected at the weekend

Now the heat wave is slated to stretch into the coming week. 

Monday will become increasingly muggy with temperatures up to 37C, especially in the southwest. Areas by the sea will stay slightly cooler, or around 28C.

Some thunderstorms with heavy rain, possibly hail and squalls of up to 85 kilometers per hour are expected.

A man jumping into a pool in Bad Köstritz, Thuringia. Photo: DPA

In Berlin, the Mercury is expected to reach up to 32C, in both Frankfurt and Cologne 34C, and in Munich 31C.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures will again stretch between 30 and 37C, according to meteorologists, but it will remain mostly dry.

On Wednesday it will be mostly sunny and dry, especially in the northern part of the country. The mercury is slated to reach 28C in coastal areas, and stay between 30 and 36C, especially in southwest Germany.

DWD tweeted an image of parts of the country (with a red sign) that will be affected by stormy weather on Monday.

Heat plan?

To better prepare Germany for more heat waves and the public health consequences they carry, Green Party leader Robert Habeck on Monday called for a “heat plan”.

Habeck told the DPA that a uniform, graduated heat warning system was needed throughout Germany.

“There should be a nationwide hotline, with special attention given to risk groups,” he said. “Cool rooms” with air conditioning should also be set up in health care facilities, said Habeck. 

“The current summer heat does not come as a surprise,” Habeck said. “Such heat waves will be the new norm.”

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WEATHER

Winter weather returns to Germany after spring heat spell

Temperatures in Germany almost hit 30C in the last few weeks. But winter-like weather is well and truly back - and ski slopes are even re-opening in some areas.

Winter weather returns to Germany after spring heat spell

Many people in Germany will have already packed away their winter clothes as spring has seen high temperatures and lots of sun.

But a cosy hoody and jacket will be needed again.

According to the German Weather Service (DWD), a blast of polar air has been moving in bringing ice, rain and sleet that is turning to snow, particularly at higher altitudes. 

Those who want to take advantage of the winter weather can even get back on the slopes. Many ski resorts had to close early for the season – but a few are reopening. 

On Friday, the ski lift at Kandel in the Emmendingen district (Baden-Württemberg) opens for floodlit skiing from 6pm. to 10pm. If the snow remains, the lifts will also operate at the weekend from 9am to 5pm.

Meanwhile, the lift at Seebuck (Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district) is operating on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.

‘Aprilschmuddelwetter’

Lower-lying spots have also seen hailstones and snow showers. People in Munich dealt with a flurry of snow on Thursday as temperatures fell. High temperatures ranged from 4C in Oberallgäu to 12C in Lower Franconia.

In a post on X, the DWD described it as AprilschmuddelwetterSchmuddelwetter translates to “mucky” or “foul weather” and is often used in Germany in spring when there’s lots of rain.

The DWD said: “April foul weather on Friday: Widespread rain, snow in high mountain areas. In the afternoon, partly heavy sleet showers from the north-west, isolated thunderstorms. In addition, stormy winds in places. Temperatures will barely reach double figures.”

The DWD shared a photo with tulips poking out from the snow in Neuhaus am Rennweg in Thuringia and said it was symbolic of the current weather situation.

The low pressure system moving in from the North Sea was bringing more widespread rain, thunderstorms and hail on Friday. 

In Berlin temperatures hovered around 7C on Friday during the day with continuous rain. It was around 5C in Erfurt and 8C in Kiel. 

In western Germany, it was slightly less cool with temperatures reaching 10C – but torrential rain was forecast. 

Changeable weather with showers was forecast on Saturday, while some sunshine in the north and east of Germany was expected on Sunday. 

At night, there is a risk of frost, ice and freezing rain in the coming days in spots where the temperature drops.

This comes after a series of storms and strong winds lashed the country earlier this week.

READ ALSO: Storms and high winds hit Germany

Just a few days before that, Germany was bathed in sunshine as temperatures climbed up to nearly 30C.

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