Germany records all-time high of 41.3°C (106.3°F) as exceptional European heatwave shatters records

The German Weather Service (DWD) measured 41.3°C (106.3°F) in Saarbrücken, surpassing the previous national record of 41.2°C (106.2°F) set in July 2019, although the value remains subject to quality-control verification before it can be recognized as an official record. Forecasters warned that temperatures may reach or slightly exceed that level again during the weekend, with some areas expected to approach 42°C (107.6°F).

The record comes during one of Germany’s longest periods of consecutive heat alerts since the DWD introduced its national heat-warning system in 2005. Warnings have been in effect since June 18 and are expected to continue through at least June 29, creating a 12-day episode that the agency says is unprecedented this early in the year. The previous longest continuous warning period lasted 18 days between late July and early August 2018.

“This current heatwave is extraordinary not only because of its duration and its early occurrence in the summer, but also because the heat burden on people is unusually high,” said Tobias Fuchs, DWD Executive Board Member for Climate and Environment.

“Especially when it comes to heatwaves, the influence of climate change is very clear. We are already seeing heatwaves become hotter and last longer.”

Meteorologists expect widespread daytime temperatures between 35°C (95°F) and above 40°C (104°F) across Germany during the weekend. The DWD forecasts Level 2 extreme heat stress across parts of the country on 10 of the expected 12 days of the event, with apparent temperatures exceeding 38°C (100.4°F) over much of Germany and particularly severe conditions anticipated in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Unlike standard air-temperature forecasts, the DWD bases its heat alerts on perceived temperature, combining air temperature with humidity, solar radiation, wind, and the body’s ability to recover overnight.

The agency warns that warm nights are becoming a defining feature of this event, limiting recovery from daytime heat and increasing health risks, particularly for older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.

Concrete and asphalt are trapping heat long after sunset. In Munich, the DWD measured nighttime temperatures more than 6°C (10.8°F) higher than surrounding rural areas between June 20 and 21, while the city recorded a tropical night with a minimum temperature of 21.5°C (70.7°F).

The heat is already disrupting daily life across Germany. The Bad Homburg Open suspended play on Friday and moved its final to an earlier start on Saturday to reduce player exposure. Cologne cancelled a children’s and family festival, while Leipzig scrapped an outdoor opera performance after organizers concluded it would be irresponsible to have a youth choir perform under the forecast conditions.

Environmental agencies have also warned that rising water temperatures in the Rhine, Mosel, and Saar rivers may lower dissolved oxygen concentrations enough to trigger fish mortality if the extreme heat persists.

Germany is one of the countries at the centre of a much broader European heatwave that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes as an intense late-June event affecting western, central, and southern Europe.

Temperatures are forecast to remain between 3–10°C (5.4–18°F) above seasonal averages across much of the region, with widespread maximum temperatures above 35°C (95°F) and tropical nights becoming increasingly common as the heat gradually shifts east toward the Balkans.

Records have fallen across multiple countries during the event. France registered its hottest day on record on June 24, with a national average temperature of 30°C (86.0°F) and a maximum of 43.8°C (110.8°F) at Pulluau. Spain established numerous June station records, including 42.7°C (108.9°F) in Bilbao.

The United Kingdom provisionally recorded a new June maximum for the third consecutive day after Santon Downham reached 37.3°C (99.1°F) on June 26, while Switzerland set a new June record of 38.0°C (100.4°F) in Basel. The Netherlands also issued unprecedented Red Alerts for extreme heat across eight provinces while reporting multiple station records.

The WMO said the heatwave has already produced major impacts on public health, agriculture, ecosystems, labour productivity, and infrastructure across Europe while worsening drought conditions and increasing wildfire risk in some regions. Europe has warmed by approximately 2°C (3.6°F) since the historic 1976 heatwave, according to the organization, which says hot extremes have become more frequent and more intense across the continent.

With Germany’s provisional national record still awaiting verification and additional extreme heat forecast through the weekend, meteorologists expect the event to continue testing historical benchmarks while authorities urge the public to limit heat exposure, remain hydrated, and closely monitor vulnerable family members and neighbours.

References:

¹ Noch nie so früh im Jahr: Deutscher Wetterdienst warnt über langen Zeitraum vor Hitze – DWD – June 25, 2026

² Records fall as extreme heat grips Europe – WMO – June 26, 2026

³ Third consecutive day of a new June temperature record with end of heatwave in sight – Met Office – June 26, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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