Germany: Heat relief to follow violent thunderstorms this weekend

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

August 26,2016; 11:26PM,EDT

 

 

After a hot weekend across Germany, relief from the heat will come by early next week, but not before violent thunderstorms erupt over northern parts of the country.
A cold front is set to erase the heat that will cause temperatures to soar 6-10 degrees Celsius (12-20 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal across most of Germany this weekend.

On Monday, more seasonable highs of 19-27 C (67-80 F) will replace this weekend's highs of 28-35 C (82-95 F).
However, the cooldown will come at the expense of locally severe thunderstorms threatening northern Germany on Sunday afternoon and evening.
"Some of the thunderstorms will produce damaging winds and hail," AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards said. "Heavy downpours will also be a concern."
RELATED:
MinuteCast® for your location
Interactive Germany weather radar
2016 Germany autumn forecast: Warmth to hold through September; Wind threat to build in November
While isolated flash flooding can result, the most widespread risk from the downpours will be hazards to motorists. The heavy rain will reduce visibility and heighten the risk of vehicles hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds.
"Areas from Hamburg to Dusseldorf should be on the lookout for the violent thunderstorms," Richards said.
The thunderstorms will reach Berlin on Sunday night but likely after their severity has waned.

Anyone with outdoor plans is reminded to move indoors as soon as thunder to avoid being struck by lightning.
The cold front will continue to produce thunderstorms across southern Germany on Monday with more comfortable air to follow on Tuesday. Spotty thundershowers will also dot other parts of Germany on Monday.
The return of the cooler air is not a sign that autumn weather is ready to take over Germany. Another surge of warmth is likely to start September.