Hail, flash floods, severe gusts Heatwave ends with a bang: Severe weather threatens from Sunday onwards.
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After days of intense and exhausting heat, Germany is now preparing for a dramatic weather reversal. The ongoing heatwave is expected to end violently, with severe thunderstorms likely to hit the country by Sunday.
Meteorologists warn that the atmosphere is becoming increasingly unstable as the weekend approaches. While high pressure has kept conditions relatively calm so far, the trapped heat and humidity are building enormous energy that could soon be released in powerful storms.
The first thunderstorms may develop as early as Saturday evening, especially from the Emsland region toward the Baltic coast. Although many areas may remain dry at first, isolated storm cells could already bring heavy rain and strong wind gusts.
The most dangerous weather is expected on Sunday. Storm systems moving from France and the Benelux region may enter western Germany early in the day, bringing cooler air. By afternoon, conditions are expected to worsen significantly, particularly west of a line stretching from Hamburg to Stuttgart, while southern regions near the Danube may also be affected.
Meteorologists are especially concerned about a rare “Fat CAPE” weather setup, meaning the atmosphere contains extremely high energy levels. This can supercharge thunderstorms and increase the likelihood of very large hail, intense rainfall, and destructive winds.
Heavy rain could dump up to 40 liters of water per square meter in some areas. Since many soils are extremely dry from the heat, water may struggle to absorb into the ground, greatly increasing the risk of flash floods and sudden flooding.
Large hailstones, potentially as big as table tennis or golf balls, may cause serious damage to cars, roofs, and crops. Even more concerning are possible downbursts — powerful wind blasts from thunderstorms — with speeds reaching 100 to 130 km/h.
Although tornadoes and classic supercells are currently considered unlikely, experts stress there is no reason for complacency. Slow-moving thunderstorms can still cause major destruction through hail, flooding, and severe wind damage.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue into Monday as a cold front moves across Germany. More thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong gusts remain possible, signaling that the country may face several days of dangerous weather ahead.