- Heat and extreme storms - this is what the weather will be like in the southwest
After a week that started with the highest temperatures of the year, residents of Baden-Württemberg can expect severe thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas until Wednesday. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a severe weather warning for the entire southwest.
Until midnight on Tuesday, there is a local risk of heavy rain with amounts up to 50 liters per square meter in a short period, hail with grain sizes up to three centimeters, and heavy gusts of wind up to 90 kilometers per hour.
Flooding in certain areas and traffic disruptions are to be expected. "Thunderstorms are spreading from the Black Forest," said DWD meteorologist Sarah Müller. It is not yet possible to predict exactly where it will become critical.
More thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday. Throughout the day, there could be isolated severe thunderstorms, a spokesperson said. Heavy rain with 50 liters per square meter, equivalent to half a month's rainfall, is possible. In comparison to Tuesday, the frequency of thunderstorms is expected to increase.
Lightning activity could also be very high, according to DWD. Due to increased moisture and higher temperatures, there is more energy in the air, an expert explained. It is advisable to seek shelter during the strong thunderstorms.
The heat warning remains in effect. Temperatures of more than 36 degrees were possible on Tuesday. According to current estimates, the temperatures measured on Monday and Tuesday are likely to be the highest of the year, the expert said. In Ohlsbach (Ortenaukreis), the temperature already reached 35.6 degrees on Monday.
The UV index was also high on Tuesday afternoon, according to DWD, indicating high sunburn risk. Residents of Baden-Württemberg should protect themselves from the sun.
Temperatures in Baden-Württemberg could reach around 30 degrees in the coming days. Then, the advice is: drink plenty, stay in the shade, ventilate at night, wear light clothing, apply sunscreen, and look out for others. Generally, the Stuttgart Health Ministry recommends staying indoors or in the shade during midday heat and avoiding physical exertion.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly below the 30-degree mark by the weekend, bringing some relief.
Despite the severe weather warnings across the southwest, including the Southern Black Forest, residents are advised to seek shelter during the strong thunderstorms due to high lightning activity. The increased moisture and temperatures in the area provide more energy for thunderstorm activity.
