2016 summer forecast: Frequent thunderstorms to limit extended heat across Germany

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

May 11,2016; 11:16PM,EDT

 

 

On the heels of a cool and wet spring throughout Germany, unsettled weather is likely to continue during much of the summer.
This unsettled weather pattern will bring the threat for both severe weather and flooding while also limiting the chance for heat waves.
The predominant storm track from June through August will send storms from the north Atlantic Ocean eastward into Scandinavia and the Baltic states.

The result of this pattern will be occasional heat building northward from the Mediterranean that will interact with cold fronts that are racing eastward across northern Europe.
This interaction will result in numerous episodes of rain and thunderstorms in Germany during the summer months.
Some of the storms will be severe with the greatest threat in central and northern Germany.
"The greatest threat for severe weather will be during the late morning and afternoon hours," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.
The strongest thunderstorms will produce flash flooding, damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.
Flash flooding will be a concern due to the slow-moving nature of the thunderstorms, with the greatest threat expected across Baden Wurttemberg and Bavaria.
"The threat for flooding will be especially great across the northern slopes of the Alps," Roys said.
RELATED:
Germany Weather Center
MinuteCast® for your location
Interactive Germany weather radar
While extended heat waves are not expected this summer, one to two days of intense heat are possible ahead of each cold front.
Temperatures in June will likely be near or even slightly below normal; however, heat building over the Mediterranean region will be pulled northward more frequently in July and August and will result in the warmest days of the year.
Following last year's oppressive heat, temperatures will be closer to normal this summer with only a few days featuring highs greater than 32 C (90 F) across the country. The greatest chance for intense heat will be found from Cologne to Frankfurt and Munich.