Extreme Heat and Storms Expected After Record Temperatures in Germany; High Forest Fire Risk Continues

Berlin and Brandenburg are bracing for the peak of a severe heatwave this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts sunny conditions initially, but warns of isolated showers and thunderstorms developing by Sunday evening. The heat is expected to persist into Sunday, with the potential for severe weather including heavy rain, hail, and strong wind gusts developing from the southwest.

Temperatures are predicted to cool slightly at the start of the week, with showers and thunderstorms expected on Monday, bringing highs between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius. By Tuesday, temperatures will further decrease to a more moderate 23 to 28 degrees Celsius.

The prolonged dry spell has also led to a high and increasing risk of forest fires across Brandenburg. Most districts are currently under a high danger level, with several areas, including Potsdam-Mittelmark, Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel, Prignitz, and Havelland, classified as very high risk. Even within Berlin, the forest fire risk varies from moderate to very high depending on the district, according to the DWD's forest fire danger index.