Germany spared severe heatwave, but wildfire risk remains high

Germany is set to avoid a significant heatwave this coming weekend, despite rising temperatures across the country. The German Weather Service (DWD) reported that while highs could reach up to 36 degrees Celsius in western and southwestern regions, the most extreme heat will affect France and Spain, where temperatures may exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

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There, peak values of over 40 degrees are expected.

Meteorologist Marco Manitta explained that the positioning of a high-pressure system over the British Isles is diverting the most intense heat northward. On Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to range between 27-32 degrees Celsius in the southwest and 19-25 degrees in the northeast. Thursday will see mostly dry conditions with temperatures between 22-28 degrees, though the 30-degree mark may be crossed in the southwest.

As the weekend approaches, from Friday to Sunday, the weather is expected to become sunnier, with temperatures climbing across the country. While most areas will see highs between 25-30 degrees, the west and southwest could experience peaks of 32-36 degrees. A positive note is that nights are predicted to remain pleasantly cool, allowing for ventilation and limiting heat stress, although this stress may increase slightly in the southwest where overnight lows could approach 20 degrees.

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The nights remain generally pleasantly cool, so good ventilation is possible.

However, the DWD cautioned that no rain is currently in sight, maintaining an elevated risk of wildfires and continuing dry conditions in parts of the country. The lack of precipitation remains a significant concern despite the reprieve from extreme heat.

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The wildfire risk remains elevated and the dryness continues in parts of the country.