Heatwave in Germany: DWD measures 40.7 degrees in Kitzingen, a new record for Bavaria

Germany has experienced its highest temperature on record, with preliminary measurements from the German Weather Service (DWD) indicating 41.3 degrees Celsius in Saarbrücken-Burbach, Saarland, on Friday afternoon. This surpasses the previous national record of 41.2 degrees Celsius, set on July 25, 2019, in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, North Rhine-Westphalia.

Bavaria also recorded a new state record, with Kitzingen in Lower Franconia reaching 40.7 degrees Celsius. This preliminary value, measured at 4:50 p.m., could potentially be revised upward as the day progresses. The previous Bavarian record was 38.5 degrees Celsius, also set in Kitzingen on June 19 of this year. The DWD noted that many older temperature records are unreliable due to uncertainties in their recording.

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The preliminary highest value was read at 4:50 p.m. in Kitzingen in Lower Franconia, as the weather service informed on request.

Kitzingen, a small town east of Würzburg, has frequently been identified as a heat hotspot. Its location in Lower Franconia, one of Bavaria's lowest-lying regions at about 200 meters above sea level, combined with drier conditions and less evaporative cooling from the ground, contributes to its higher temperatures. Last year, Kitzingen was the hottest location in Bavaria on July 2.

This heatwave is affecting Germany and other European countries, with temperatures consistently reaching or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The prolonged high temperatures are particularly taxing because nights offer little relief, failing to bring significant cooling.

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On Friday, 41.3 degrees Celsius was also recorded as the highest temperature ever measured in Germany - at 5:00 p.m. in Saarbrücken-Burbach in Saarland.