(de-news.net) – Germany is facing an unprecedented heat wave that could challenge the national temperature record, prompting extended heat warnings while disrupting road and rail travel at the start of the summer vacation period.
Temperatures between 31 and 38°C are predicted for a large portion of Germany, with localized highs in the western and southwestern regions reaching as much as 41°C. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the timing of the present heat wave is unprecedented since the national heat warning system was implemented in 2005. With nationwide temperatures forecast to range from 37 to 40°C and highs of up to 41°C considered conceivable in the Rhine-Main area and Brandenburg, meteorologists have warned that Saturday could challenge Germany’s all-time temperature record of 41.2°C, which was established in 2019.
According to the Federal Government, periods of severe or high heat stress typically last only until midsummer. By contrast, the current episode is predicted to require heat warnings through at least Monday, extending well beyond the usual seasonal pattern. This compares with the previous longest continuous period of official heat warnings, which lasted 18 days in late July and early August 2018. Over the course of the weekend, the extreme heat is expected to spread across the entire country after initially concentrating in western and southwestern Germany.
High temperatures test roads as rail offers flexible cancellations
As summer vacations begin in Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland, where students are completing the school year, the heat wave is also expected to affect vacation travel. Departures from these states, combined with increased numbers of day-trippers and last-minute vacationers, are likely to place additional pressure on the national road network. Alongside the approximately 1,000 long-term work sites on Germany’s roadways, the ADAC anticipates prolonged traffic congestion and increased travel delays.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) expressed optimism that significant heat-related damage to the nation’s highways was unlikely despite the extended period of exceptionally high temperatures. He stated that so-called “blow-ups” have primarily affected older or previously damaged concrete road surfaces, many of which have already been reinforced or replaced with more durable designs. As a result, he said, such incidents have declined substantially in recent years. He also noted that Autobahn GmbH was carrying out ongoing inspections to identify potential risks at an early stage and promptly repair any damage that was detected.
In the meantime, Deutsche Bahn introduced a one-time heat-related goodwill policy allowing travelers to cancel certain long-distance rail trips at no cost. According to the state-owned railway, customers who decide not to travel during the period of severe weather will receive a full refund. The policy applies to tickets purchased by June 23 for travel through June 30, including subsidized Saver and Super Saver fares.
Audio: TTSFree
