Germany breaks national all-time heat record amid European heatwave

Germany has broken its all-time heat record, with a weather station in Saarbrücken recording 41.3°C (106.3°F) as a severe heatwave continues across parts of Europe.

The Deutscher Wetterdienst, Germany’s weather service, said the reading was recorded at Saarbrücken-Burbach, in southwestern Germany near the French border, and is still subject to final verification.

If confirmed, it would surpass Germany’s previous record of 41.2°C (106.2°F), measured at Duisburg-Baerl and Tönisvorst in July 2019.

Forecasters said parts of Germany could approach 41°C (105.8°F) again on Sunday, after temperatures reached record levels as the heat peaked over the weekend. The country has been under persistent high pressure for days, allowing temperatures to continue rising.

The heat is expected to remain oppressive through the weekend, with widespread tropical nights forecast, meaning temperatures will not fall below 20°C (68°F) overnight. Temperatures are expected to drop below 30°C (86°F) in most areas by Monday, though humidity is expected to increase before then.

The record heat in Germany comes as a major heatwave continues to affect Europe. The Netherlands issued its first-ever code red warning for extreme heat this week, while records have also been broken in France, the United Kingdom and Spain.