Sahara heat is rolling in: Germany is groaning under 36 degree waves!

Sahara heat is rolling in: Germany is groaning under 36 degree waves!

The first days of June 2025 in Germany were still relatively cool with occasional rain. But the weather situation changed rapidly: from the middle of the month, temperatures rose sharply, especially in the southwestern regions. On June 22nd, over 36 degrees were already measured in Saarbrücken, which prepared the population for a new heat wave. It was initially mild on June 23rd, but high temperatures are expected again from June 24th. Forecasts for June 25th even point to temperatures of up to 36 degrees again in parts of Germany. According to [fr.de]. that this summer is one of the hottest.

Cities and poorly insulated buildings will be particularly affected. In these urban areas the heat is often more stressful than in more rural areas, where cooler air currents sometimes moderate the climate somewhat. These growing bouts of heat, which occur every two to three days, are a clear sign of ongoing climate change. According to tagesschau.de, Europe is considered a hotspot for this change: 2024 has already been noted as the warmest year in the history of Europe, and the rising temperatures have already left their mark here in Germany.

The consequences of climate change

The rise in temperature, which has been frequently observed in recent decades, has not only shaped the summer of 2025, but has also had a significant impact on events in recent years. Heatwaves, droughts and other extreme weather events show that Europe is one of the fastest affected by the effects of climate change. Glaciers in the Alps are also experiencing a rapid decline in ice mass. Surface temperatures in European seas rose by 1.2 degrees, with direct consequences for maritime life and coastal regions. According to research by the WMO and Copernicus, extreme weather events have caused more than 18 billion euros in damage in Europe since records began and have steadily increased the number of people affected by natural disasters worldwide.

A worrying point is the forecasts that indicate that future flood risks could increase in many European regions, including Germany. There is something there, because in addition to the increased heat, increased rainfall can also be expected in other parts of Europe. Studies also show that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) - a key factor for the weather in Europe - is becoming more extreme due to climate change and can trigger strong seasonal fluctuations. In 2023, for example, a negative NAO brought heavy rainfall to the northwest coast, while the south suffered from heat and forest fires.

A look into the future

What's next? According to current forecasts, southwest Germany is experiencing a heat wave and could exceed 35 degrees several times by July 1st. From June 27th to 29th in particular, there is a risk of high temperatures of up to 36 degrees again. When we look at these developments, it becomes clear how necessary it is to both take preventative measures and raise awareness of climate change. Given the current situation in Europe, many cities have already started planning adaptation measures to face the challenges of climate change. Positive trends are emerging in cities such as Paris, Milan and Bratislava.

So we can only hope that society draws the right conclusions and acts with foresight in relation to both the heat and the potential flood risks. It looks like summer 2025 won't be the last hot summer.