Cottbus sizzles at 36.2°C as Germany braces for severe thunderstorms

Germany is experiencing a significant heatwave, with the city of Cottbus in Brandenburg registering a scorching 36.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, making it the hottest day of the year. The nearby town of Baruth (Mark) followed closely at 35.7 degrees, while Potsdam and Berlin-Tempelhof reached 35.3 degrees Celsius.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings for extreme heat across several parts of Brandenburg. Residents are advised to take precautions as the high temperatures persist. The DWD meteorologist Florian Engelmann noted that while the heat is intense, relief may come in the form of localized, albeit strong, thunderstorms expected later in the day.

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But after 20 to 30 minutes, the show is over.

These thunderstorms, particularly along the Oder and Neisse rivers, could bring heavy rain, strong gusts, and hail in short, intense bursts. Engelmann cautioned that such downpours might overwhelm local drainage systems but are typically brief, lasting only 20 to 30 minutes.

The forecast for Sunday indicates a further increase in severe weather potential. The southeastern half of Brandenburg could experience more powerful thunderstorms, with meteorologists describing the risk as "a notch more dangerous." Wind speeds are predicted to increase, potentially reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, accompanied by heavier rainfall than on Saturday. This follows incidents on Friday where flash floods inundated streets in Neuruppin, causing power outages and fallen trees.

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It will be a notch more dangerous.