As the heat wave begins, severe weather chaos threatens Germany.

2026-06-18

Germany is preparing for potentially dangerous severe weather conditions as rising temperatures trigger a mix of heatwave conditions and violent thunderstorms expected to hit parts of the country from Friday onward.

Meteorologists warn that the northwest of Germany could be particularly affected, especially the region between Cologne and Hamburg. Weather experts say the formation of so-called supercells — powerful and highly destructive thunderstorms — cannot be ruled out.

These storms could bring extreme weather within a very short time, including heavy rainfall, large hail, and destructive wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h. In some areas, rainfall of 40 to 60 liters per square meter is possible, increasing the risk of flash floods.

At the same time, temperatures are expected to climb as high as 35°C on Friday, marking the start of a heatwave that will intensify unstable atmospheric conditions. This combination of heat and humidity is expected to fuel the development of severe thunderstorms across multiple regions.

Other parts of Germany, including Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate, are also at risk. While wind conditions there are expected to be weaker, heavy rain and hail remain major concerns.

On Saturday, the storm system is expected to shift further east, potentially affecting large outdoor events, including the German national team’s World Cup match scheduled for 10 p.m. Meteorologists warn that conditions can deteriorate quickly, especially during large gatherings.

Experts emphasize that while the exact path of the storms is still uncertain, multiple weather models consistently indicate a high risk of severe developments. Authorities are urging the public to closely follow weather warnings, as the situation could change rapidly with little advance notice.