Extreme Heat Warning in Germany: Up to 41°C Expected — Stay Safe

Introduction

Germany's national weather service, the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), has issued an extreme heat warning for parts of the country, with temperatures forecast to hit up to 41 degrees Celsius around June 27. For many expats — especially those arriving from cooler climates — this kind of heat can feel manageable at first but quickly become a health risk. What makes Germany's situation unique is that the vast majority of homes, offices and public spaces are not equipped with air conditioning, meaning preparation is essential rather than optional.

What the DWD Warning Means

The Deutscher Wetterdienst is Germany's official meteorological service and its warnings carry official weight. An extreme heat warning (extreme Wärmebelastung) is the highest level on the DWD scale and indicates that temperatures pose a genuine risk to health, particularly for:

• Elderly people and young children
• People with cardiovascular, respiratory or kidney conditions
• People who work outdoors
• Newcomers whose bodies have not yet adapted to northern European heat spikes

Temperatures of 41°C represent an unusual extreme for Germany, and even residents who have lived here for years may find it difficult to cope. The DWD recommends checking its official app or website (dwd.de) for real-time regional updates, as the warning may apply differently depending on where in Germany you live.

Practical Tips for Staying Safe During the Heatwave

If you live in Germany and are facing this heatwave, here are concrete steps you can take:

At home:

• Keep windows closed and blinds or curtains drawn during the hottest part of the day (roughly 11:00 to 18:00).
• Open windows in the early morning and late evening to let cooler air in.
• Place a bowl of cold water with a fan behind it as a basic cooling method if you have no air conditioning.
• Hang damp sheets near open windows to cool incoming air.

Outdoors:

• Avoid going outside between midday and late afternoon if possible.
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
• Drink water regularly — at least 2 to 3 litres per day — even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol, very cold drinks and heavy meals during peak heat.

For vulnerable people:

• Check on elderly neighbours or family members.
• Many German cities open Kühloasen (cooling spaces) in libraries, shopping centres and community centres during extreme heat events. Check your local municipality's website.
• If you or someone near you shows signs of heat stroke — confusion, very hot dry skin, rapid heartbeat, unconsciousness — call emergency services immediately on 112.

What About Work and Legal Rights During a Heatwave?

German labour law does not set a maximum indoor temperature at which employers must send workers home. However, the Arbeitsstättenverordnung (Workplace Ordinance) and guidelines from the Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) specify that employers have a duty of care and must take measures when indoor temperatures exceed 26°C. At 30°C and above, employers should implement protective measures such as fans, adjusted working hours or remote work options.

If you are working in an extremely hot environment and feel your employer is not taking reasonable steps, you can contact your Betriebsrat (works council) or seek advice from your trade union.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for Germany to reach 41°C?

No, temperatures this high are very unusual for Germany and represent one of the most extreme heat events the country has seen. Climate scientists note that such extreme peaks are becoming more frequent due to climate change, but 41°C remains well above historical averages even for the hottest German summers. Do not assume that because it has happened before, it is routine — treat it as a genuine emergency weather event.

Where can I find real-time heat warnings for my area?

The DWD publishes detailed, region-specific warnings on its website at dwd.de and through its WarnWetter app, which is free to download. Warnings are colour-coded by severity and updated regularly. Your local city or municipality may also publish specific advice on their official website or social media channels.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Extreme heat in Germany is no longer a rare exception and knowing how to respond is a practical life skill for anyone living here. If you are new to the country, the absence of air conditioning in most buildings may come as a surprise — prepare your home in advance and keep an eye on DWD warnings. Stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and check on vulnerable people around you.

For health emergencies, call 112. For non-urgent medical advice, call 116 117 (the out-of-hours GP service, ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst).

Source: iamexpat