Heat, strong storms to rock weekend festivals in Germany

By Evan Duffey, Meteorologist

June 22,2016; 9:55PM,EDT

 

 

Unusual warmth and humidity will continue to grip Germany at the start of the weekend, with some of the highest temperatures so far this year in the offing.
Paired with high humidity, the heat will create a sticky and uncomfortable air mass for those attending the Hurricane Festival in Scheebel or the Elbhangfest in Dresden.

A significant warm spell will spill over into the weekend from Thursday, ushering in some of the warmest air of the year.
Concertgoers will have to make an effort to stay cool on Friday, as AccuWeather ReelFeel temperatures soar into the 30s C (85-93 F).
With high temperatures much above normal, in the lower 20s C (68-75 F), anyone outdoors will want to make sure to plan ahead.
Consuming adequate water and seeking shade or climate control at the peak of the day will help festival attendees ward off heat-related illness.
The intense heat will last through Friday afternoon before a cooldown arrives later in the weekend. The front that will bring about this change will also raise the risk for strong thunderstorms.
As a disturbance moves into the region Friday into Saturday, this warm, moist air will fuel towering clouds and eventually strong storms.
Most festival activities on Friday should stay dry, but thunderstorms will work far enough eastward late in the afternoon.
The system will be slow to exit the area and, as a result, outdoor activities on Saturday afternoon will also face the threat of strong thunderstorms.
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For those looking to get outdoors, temperatures will be much lower on Saturday and the risk of heat-related illness or dehydration will be significantly lower.
Instead, scattered strong thunderstorms and heavy downpours will be the major threats. A few isolated damaging wind gusts and hail are all possible.
Following the busy weather days on Friday and Saturday, more settled and concert-friendly weather will come to much of Germany on Sunday.
While a shower could pass over parts of the country, especially during the morning hours, there will be frequent breaks of sunshine, with temperatures closer to but still slightly above normal.