Germany is facing a heat wave in the coming days, with temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius in some regions. The German Weather Service (DWD) is urging caution: Such temperatures can be hazardous to the body.

The heat in Germany will increase in the coming days: Up to 39 degrees Celsius are possible on Wednesday, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). Tropical nights are also expected, with temperatures not dropping below 20 degrees Celsius.

The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a heat warning for large parts of southern and western Germany today. Regions affected are Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. The official heat warning has been in effect since 11:00 a.m., according to the weather service.

Severe thunderstorms are also possible

On Monday, the south will be particularly affected by high temperatures: there, temperatures will reach 35 degrees Celsius, in the northern central region 30 degrees Celsius, and in the north 25 degrees Celsius, according to the forecast. In the Black Forest and on the edge of the Alps, thunderstorms could bring localized heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds in the afternoon.

"The heat will really pick up on Tuesday," explains DWD meteorologist Tobias Reinartz. At the beginning of July, temperatures will exceed 30 degrees Celsius almost nationwide. The west and southwest can expect temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius. Severe thunderstorms are again possible in the southern and southwestern mountains.

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid exertion

"Wednesday will be even hotter, with widespread temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, perhaps even 39 degrees Celsius locally," explains expert Reinartz. The DWD expects strong, regionally even extreme heat stress nationwide. Thunderstorms will then bring cooling. However, the meteorologist explains that it is not yet clear when exactly this will happen.

Heat stress can be dangerous to the body and lead to health problems. The German Weather Service recommends, in addition to sun protection, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous exercise, and seeking cool places.

Politicians appeal to employers

In Brandenburg, the Ministry of Health has already appealed to businesses in the state."For employers, heat protection in the workplace is mandatory," said Health Minister Britta Müller. This includes a healthy room temperature as well as protection from excessive sunlight.

A cold front is likely to move into the northwest on Thursday, but will then make slow progress. This would mean that the southeast would have to prepare for another sweltering 35 degrees Celsius on Thursday."However, the cooling should also reach the east and southeast by Friday at the latest," the DWD reports. Thunderstorms could then again be severe in some places, bringing heavy rain.

Forest fire risk also increased

Heat and drought are also increasing the risk of forest fires. The DWD currently sees a very high risk, especially in southern Brandenburg. High risk exists in almost all of Baden-Württemberg, the northern half of Bavaria, and parts of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. The situation is forecast to worsen by Wednesday.

Due to the drought, several cities and regions in Germany are also restricting the amount of water that can be drawn from rivers, lakes, or wells. Watering is often prohibited during the day. Furthermore, many cities and districts are urging their residents to use water sparingly.

46 degrees in Spain, fire danger in Greece

A particularly early heat wave is also causing people to sweat profusely in Spain and Portugal. In the southern Spanish town of El Granado, on the border with Portugal, a new heat record for a June day was set at 46 degrees Celsius, according to the Spanish national meteorological service Aemet.

In France, where the weekend already brought high temperatures, the hottest days are still to come. On Monday, temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius are expected in large parts of the country, and on Tuesday, even Paris could reach 40 degrees Celsius, according to the weather service Météo France. Dozens of schools are expected to close temporarily in some areas.

In Greece, strong winds have ended a three-day heat wave. According to the meteorological office, temperatures dropped from around 40 degrees Celsius to around 30 degrees Celsius within a few hours. Gusts of wind reached force nine. In light of this, the civil defense declared the highest fire danger level for large parts of the country. Ferry services have been suspended due to rough seas.