Germany records provisional 41.3C as Europe heatwave shifts east

Germany has provisionally recorded its highest temperature on record, with 41.3C measured near Saarbrücken-Burbach on Friday, according to reporting citing the German Weather Service.

The reading is still preliminary and must be confirmed by the Deutscher Wetterdienst, but it has already marked one of the most intense heat events in recent German history as a wider European heatwave moves east.

Record heat in southwest Germany

Reports cited the DWD as saying the temperature was taken at 5pm on June 26 in Saarbrücken-Burbach. If confirmed, it would be Germany's highest ever temperature.

The heat was not confined to one locality. WELT reported that Bad Kreuznach reached 40.7C and that Waghäusel-Kirrlach later set a provisional all-time German high of 40.6C, underscoring how widely the extreme temperatures spread across southwest Germany.

Heatwave shifts east

Forecasters say the hottest conditions are now moving out of western Germany and into central and eastern Europe. The Guardian's live coverage said Germany was braced for temperatures well over 40C, while later updates said the heatwave was shifting east.

WELT said the heatwave is expected to peak over the weekend, with temperatures up to 41C possible in parts of Germany and very warm nights before some easing early next week.

Warnings and disruption

Highest-level heat warnings were reported in France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Hungary. In Hessen, WELT reported a DWD warning for extreme heat over Saturday and Sunday, along with advice to drink enough fluids, avoid direct sun and limit strenuous activity.

The heat has also affected events. The Guardian reported that the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt shortened both its cycling and running courses because of the conditions.

What comes next

The key near-term question is whether the DWD confirms the 41.3C reading as Germany's national record. Forecasters are also watching whether further temperature records are set over the weekend as the heatwave continues to move east.

The broader public-health concern remains the same: sustained extreme heat across large parts of Europe, with risks for outdoor activity, transport and local services.