Storms are blowing over Germany after a summer day of dreams
The summer is not leaving its zigzag course. After sunny days, the next storms are approaching. Towards the middle of the week, there are threats of strong thunderstorms, says ntv meteorologist Bjoern Alexander. But the hottest day of the year could also be imminent.
ntv.de: The summer is currently quite enjoyable. Will it stay that way?
Bjoern Alexander: Unfortunately not. The hot season is still maintaining its zigzag course. Already on Wednesday, high "Kai" is significantly weakening, opening the stage for the cold front of Atlantic low "Nicole". This development will bring us increasing humidity and subsequently, in some parts, strong thunderstorms.
Is that it, or will the summer heat up again?
In the north, it will initially remain changeable, with wind and storms, and cool. Meanwhile, in the south and southwest, preparations for the next warm air surge are already underway.
Before it gets hot again: What can we expect from the upcoming thunderstorms?
The usual suspects - heavy rain, small hail, and gusts of wind. With the front moving from west to east, we could see rainfall amounts of 15 to 25 liters per square meter within a short time. All in all, isolated thunderstorms are likely.
Is this particularly severe?
Compared to previous thunderstorm series that brought up to 100, sometimes even up to 170 liters per square meter, we would get off lightly with the current estimates. However, we should never underestimate thunderstorms due to lightning strikes alone.
Will the rest of the week drift into calmer waters?
It currently looks that way. The north will remain more mixed, while the south will quickly see more sun with only local heat thunderstorms and rising temperatures.
How warm will it be across Germany?
On Thursday, we can expect temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees. On Friday, there is still a weak low-pressure system with warm air advection in the program, meaning that the sun will have a hard time in the northwest with windy temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. In the south and east, it will be significantly warmer with peaks up to 31 degrees.
And on the weekend?
Saturday will bring temperatures between 21 degrees at the sea and up to 30 degrees at the Upper Rhine. On Sunday, temperatures will continue to rise, with widespread temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees. Only at the sea will it be cooler. And by Monday, we will likely envy those who have it cooler.
Why?
Because it could be the hottest day of the year. Although there is still a lot of movement in the weather models, there are signs that a surge of North African heat via Spain and France could reach us. If that happens, peak values of 35 to 37 degrees are possible - maybe even a bit higher. So far, the highest temperature in Baden-Württemberg's Müllheim was 35.4 degrees on July 30th. Kitzingen in Bavaria comes in second with 35.0 degrees.
How severe could the upcoming heatwave be in terms of duration?
It's hard to say. The weather models are already speculating about the next thunderstorms with less hot values by Tuesday and Wednesday. In short: The summer is probably moving towards its peak, but it is not leaving its zigzag course.
The upcoming thunderstorms, likely to bring heavy rain and gusts of wind, are attributed to the cold front of Atlantic low "Nicole," as mentioned by Bjoern Alexander from The Commission. Despite the potential thunderstorms, the south and southwest could see another warm air surge, hinting at possible increases in temperature.
