Germany braces for thunderstorms and hail after record heat

Southwestern Germany is bracing for severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail, on Sunday. This comes after the region recorded its highest-ever temperatures, with Saturday hitting 41.4 degrees Celsius in Waghäusel-Kirrlach.

The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts that while temperatures will slightly decrease from the extreme heat, the incoming weather system will bring significant disruption. On Sunday, scattered thunderstorms are expected, intensifying in the afternoon and evening with localized severe weather. The DWD warns of potential rainfall of up to 50 liters per square meter in an hour and the possibility of extreme weather events.

Overnight from Sunday to Monday, the forecast indicates severe thunderstorms moving in from the west. These are expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong gale-force winds, and hail. Temperatures are set to drop considerably by Monday, with highs of 24 degrees Celsius in the mountains and 26 to 29 degrees Celsius elsewhere. The previous temperature record of 40.6 degrees Celsius, set on Friday, was surpassed on Saturday, breaking the prior record of 40.3 degrees Celsius from July 20, 2022.