Many places in northern Germany recorded temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Friday. In Hamburg, the thermometer hit 35 degrees – a new June record for the city, according to NDR weather expert Frank Böttcher. In Lower Saxony, some locations measured 36 degrees, while Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania saw up to 33 degrees.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an extreme heat warning for almost all of northern Germany. The warning is in effect until Saturday evening, and the heatwave is expected to last at least through Sunday. Meteorologists predict a “very hot” to “extremely hot” day on Saturday with values up to 40 degrees, accompanied by high humidity. On Sunday, similar temperatures are possible, especially in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, said NDR weather expert Sebastian Wache.
The heat is already having consequences: events have been canceled, including the Hamburg Half Marathon and the “Harley Days” parade. The first race day of the Gallop Derby in Hamburg-Horn was postponed to Wednesday. The risk of forest fires is high, particularly in Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. A fire broke out in the Müritz National Park on a former military training area contaminated with munitions.
Authorities are warning of health risks. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Social Affairs Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) appealed to the public to look after elderly and sick people. In Isernhagen (Hanover region), a fatal drowning occurred on Friday: an eight-year-old boy was recovered dead from the water. In Hamburg, Environment Senator Katharina Fegebank (Greens) warned against swimming in the Elbe, calling it “simply life-threatening.”
Source: www.ndr.de
