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WEATHER

Most of Germany to see return of summer weather

After weeks of wet autumnal weather, high temperatures are set to return to most of Germany just in time for the weekend.

Published: 10 August 2023 16:26 CEST
A heath in bloom in the nature reserve of Reicherskreuzer Heide in Brandenburg.
A heath in bloom in the nature reserve of Reicherskreuzer Heide in Brandenburg. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Patrick Pleul

In recent weeks, the weather in Germany has been characterised by grey skies, rain, strong winds, and limited sunshine, leading to the cancellation of numerous festivals and outdoor events.

But for those yearning for summer, there is good news on the horizon as the latter half of the week promises a much brighter outlook.

Meteorologists from the German Weather Service (DWD) have predicted a return to summer-like temperatures from Wednesday through the weekend, coupled with minimal chances of heavy rainfall.

READ ALSO: How summer storms are disrupting transport in northern Germany

The sun is poised to grace the entire country, accompanied by temperatures ranging from 22 to 25C in lower areas and 19 to 20C in higher regions. The good news is that this pleasant weather is likely to persist in many places until the weekend. Notably, rainfall is not expected until the latter half of next week.

Friday is set to be the highlight of the week with abundant sunshine throughout most of the country.

However, towards evening, cloud cover will increase in the western regions, with isolated showers expected overnight. In the northeast, temperatures will be moderately warm, fluctuating between 22 to 24C, while the southern and western regions will experience summery temperatures ranging from 25 to 32C.

Saturday’s forecast indicates a mix of potentially intense showers and thunderstorms in the northwest, with the south and east seeing relatively sunnier conditions, although isolated thunderstorms can’t be ruled out there. Highs will range from 22C along the North Sea to as high as 32C in Freiburg.

Sunday is expected to bring drier conditions once again. Despite a blend of sun and clouds, scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms are possible, particularly in the southern regions. But summer-like conditions will persist throughout most of the country, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 32C.

As the week progresses, Monday and Tuesday are likely to be influenced by the weekend’s humidity and see some thunderstorms, particularly in the southeast, while the northwest will experience calmer conditions.

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WEATHER

Where will rainfall be the heaviest in Germany this weekend?

A torrential downpour is forecast to hit Germany over the weekend, with meteorologists warning of potentially life-threatening conditions. Here are the regions that will be worst affected - and how long it's set to last.

Published: 31 May 2024 11:50 CEST
Updated: 1 June 2024 08:20 CEST
Where will rainfall be the heaviest in Germany this weekend?

Anyone planning a cycle tour or trip to a lake this weekend may want to reschedule their plans: according to the German Weather Service (DWD), heavy rain is expected in several regions between Friday and Monday morning and there’s even a risk of floods in some areas. 

Here’s what to expect over the coming days. 

Which regions could be affected?

The DWD has issued hazard information for several federal states, including a large section of eastern and central Germany that runs from Dresden and Erfurt to the Alps, as well as several regions in Baden-Württemberg.

In the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in particular, the DWD has issued severe weather warnings and is urging people to be cautious while out and about.

The meteorologists are warning of a pressure system moving from the Alps to Poland, which could bring heavy thunderstorms and torrential rain. In the worst-hit places, 50 to 120 litres of water per square metre could fall within 48 hours – even up 150 litres per square metre in some locations.

The situation in Hesse is also tense with regard to possible flooding: due to rainfall over the past few days, sections of the Werra, Rhine and Neckar rivers could overflow in the central German state.

READ ALSO: Which parts of Germany face the greatest flood risk – and how can homeowners prepare?

In Saxony, the first flood warnings have been issued for the Upper White Elster, the Mulde and the tributaries of the Upper Elbe due to heavy rainfall expected from Friday evening.

What does that mean for people in the area?

Weather warnings issued on Thursday now apply from Friday until late on Sunday in most cases – and could be extended to other areas. Of course, we don’t yet know exactly how much rain will fall – but experts suggest that flooding in some regions is likely. 

From midday on Friday until Sunday, the low pressure system could keep the emergency services busy in several regions of Germany.

After a spell of wet weather, many regions in Germany are already holding more water than usual. Meaning that the ground and local rivers may not be able to absorb all the added precipitation – making flooding more likely.

Saarland was recently affected by flooding around the Whitsun weekend.

How can you protect yourself?

Most importantly, don’t underestimate the risks posed by severe weather, particularly when it comes to flooding on roads and in subways. This weekend, the DWD isn’t beating around the bush: the weather experts have even warned that there could be “danger to life and limb” posed by the heavy rainfall. 

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance generally advises people to check they have enough food and drink at home when there are severe weather warnings. 

“The most important rule: stay home! Try to postpone appointments or social engagements,” the authority writes on its website. In general, flood protection in Germany has been strengthened in recent years following the flood disaster in the Ahr valley in July 2021 in which nearly two hundred people lost their lives. 

Just this week, the German Insurance Association called on the government to introduce new regulations to help cope with the threat of natural disasters linked to climate change.

“We need adapting to climate change to be anchored in building regulations, less land sealing and building bans in flood areas,” they said. 

READ ALSO: New disaster warning system rolled out across Germany

What else should people be aware of?

If you’re planning on attending any outdoor events this weekend, it could be worth checking if they’ve been cancelled – especially if you’re based in eastern or southern Germany.

Apparently, Saxony’s state government is postponing its government quarter open day that was planned for Saturday due to the weather. The event is now set to take place on August 4th. 

In Thuringia, meanwhile, the fountain festival and parade in Bad Berka near Weimar, and a planned children’s festival in Gotha, have been cancelled due to safety concerns. However, the German Catholic Day (Katholikentag) is so far going forward in the state capital of Erfurt despite the rain.

Catholic Day in Saxony

German Catholics’ Day opens with a rainy procession in Erfurt’s cathedral square on Thursday. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jan Woitas

Heavier rain events linked to climate change

Analyses of the past 70 years show that the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall days have increased slightly in Germany.

Winter still tends to be the season when more severe rain events are recorded. In recent years, the number of rainy days has decreased overall in summer, while the intensity have the rainfall has increased. 

According to DWD, this is a trend that’s likely to continue in the future as the planet heats up. Since warmer atmospheres can absorb more moisture, more rainfall can be expected whenever it does rain. 

READ ALSO: Record heat deaths and floods – How Germany is being hit by climate change

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