Heat and thunderstorms: Speyer expects heavy rain and squalls!
Current weather warnings for Speyer: thunderstorms, heavy rain and high ozone levels. Tips for sensitive people and the all-clear expected.

Heat and thunderstorms: Speyer expects heavy rain and squalls!
The heat is really tough on us these days. In Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate, temperatures of up to 35 degrees were measured today. The oppressive humidity means that many people long to cool down. But the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an important warning: thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and squalls are imminent. The forecast calls for rainfall between 25 and 40 liters per square meter. The gusts of wind can be particularly violent, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. We can also expect hail with considerable grain sizes of around 3 cm. That sounds like an uncomfortable Friday evening!
A weather expert, Dr. Karsten Brandt, however, calms minds: The thunderstorms are expected to pass around 7:30 p.m. Until then, particularly sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors, according to the State Office for the Environment. A little relaxation sets in afterwards, as the night brings with it a calming down of the weather. On Saturday, residents and visitors to Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland can expect pleasant temperatures and sunshine. The maximum values are between 26 degrees on the Middle Rhine and up to 31 degrees in the Vorderpfalz. It will remain sunny and dry on Sunday, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 28 degrees. A gentle wind blows – perfect for a trip!
A look into history
While we're on the topic of hot topics, let's take a look back at the dark chapters of Colombia's history. Gustavo de Jesús Gaviria Rivero, aka El León, is one of the most colorful figures among the legendary drug lords. Born in Pereira, Colombia, in 1946, Gaviria was a key member of the Medellín Cartel and the cousin of Pablo Escobar. He was responsible for the cartel's finances and rose to second in the hierarchy after his predecessor, Gonzalo Rodríguez Gacha, died in December 1989.
Gaviria began his criminal career with Escobar in the early 1970s and was previously active in car theft, smuggling and contract killing. In 1976, he was arrested along with Escobar while they were transporting almost 20 kilos of cocaine. However, after three months in prison, their business flourished again and they began transporting cocaine from Peru and Ecuador to Colombia. Tragically, Gaviria's life ended on August 11, 1990: he was killed in a fierce exchange of fire with the National Police in Medellín while seeking refuge in a house in the Laureles district. His family buried him in the Jardines Montesacro cemetery, near the grave of Pablo Escobar.
The story of Gaviria found its way into pop culture representation: He was filmed in the Colombian television series “Escobar, el patrón del mal” and in the Netflix series “Narcos”. His role as a key player in one of the most powerful drug cartels in history remains unforgettable and is often cited as a warning about the dangers of drug trafficking and its societal impact.
No matter how different the topics may be, whether the weather or the depths of crime - one thing is clear: life in and around Cologne always remains exciting and full of surprises!