Late-week thunderstorms sweeping Germany may threaten Kiel Week races, fireworks

By Courtney Spamer, Meteorologist

June 20,2016; 8:15PM,EDT

 

 

Drenching storms will sweep across Germany this week, but not before oppressive heat builds into central and eastern parts of the country.
Following spotty showers on Tuesday, thunderstorms will move into northwestern Germany on Wednesday.
"Thunderstorms will be slow moving across northwestern Germany, dumping enough rain in some places to cause flash flooding problems," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

Cities from Cologne and Dusseldorf in North Rhine-Westphalia to Bremen and western parts of Lower Saxony can expect these storms to bring heavy rain at times on Wednesday.
This area will once again get heavy thunderstorms on Thursday, increasing the threat for flash flooding.
Low-lying and poor drainage areas will be most susceptible.
"If you come across a roadway that is flooded, turn around; don't drown," Roys said.
Some scattered showers and thunderstorms will reach slightly farther east on Thursday, including the city of Hamburg.
These storms are not expected to be heavy enough to cause flooding; however, the threat for lightning may be present.
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On Friday, storms will extend from western Germany into Denmark and central Germany.
In addition to Cologne and Bremen, the cities of Frankfurt, Hanover, Hamburg and Kiel will all need to watch for heavy thunderstorms. Once again, these thunderstorms will be capable of producing torrential rain that could lead to flooding.
Friday will bring the highest risk for severe storms, where damaging winds and small hail could be possible.
Boats of the 29-er class during a regatta alongside the Kiel Week, at the Baltic Sea port of Kiel, Germany, Sunday, June 19, 2016. (Markus Scholz/dpa via AP)
Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world, is held in Kiel, Germany, and will be taking place at the port through Sunday. On Friday, spectators and participants will need to keep an eye on the sky.
Delays from both gusty winds and lightning will be possible, in addition to the expected heavy downpours.
Into the weekend, these thunderstorms will move eastward. Saturday could spell a wet day for places like Berlin and Dresden. Those planning to attend the Elbhangfest festival in Dresden on Saturday should plan on bringing the rain gear and having a safe place to shelter should a thunderstorm move into the city.
In addition to the thunderstorms, more humidity will creep into Germany, starting on Thursday.
"It's going to feel very oppressive on Thursday and into Friday, and it will be very moist outside," Roys said.
"Eastern Germany, including Berlin and Dresden, will have AccuWeather RealFeel temperatures of 35-40 degrees C during the afternoon on Thursday."
For both Thursday and Friday, the hot, humid air will make it uncomfortable to be outside in the afternoon. Try to limit outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day, like the morning or evening. If not, take frequent breaks and doing plenty of water.