Germany recorded its hottest day of 2025 on Wednesday, as temperatures soared close to 40 degrees Celsius across several regions, prompting heat warnings and concerns about public health.
Preliminary data from the German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed that Wednesday marked the hottest day of the year, with final location-specific readings still being compiled.
On Tuesday, the DWD reported a high of 37.8 degrees Celsius in Kitzingen, Bavaria—previously the year’s highest temperature. But that figure was likely surpassed on Wednesday, according to meteorologists.
As the country sweltered under extreme heat, authorities issued warnings about increased health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.
“Older adults have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature and reduced sweat gland activity, making them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Dr. Andrea Klein, a Berlin-based public health expert. “Similarly, babies and small children are at risk of dehydration due to lower sweat production and fluid reserves.”
The DWD warned of a “localized risk” of severe weather later on Wednesday, as a series of thunderstorms were expected to sweep across parts of the country. These storms, though potentially dangerous, are forecast to bring much-needed cooling after days of sweltering temperatures.
Heatwaves have become increasingly common and intense across Europe in recent years, with climate scientists linking the trend to global warming. Germany’s all-time national heat record still stands at 41.2 degrees Celsius, measured on July 25, 2019, at weather stations in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, both located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Many German cities issued heat advisories and opened cooling centers, while local governments urged residents to stay indoors during peak sun hours, stay hydrated, and check on at-risk neighbors and family members.
The extreme heat also put pressure on the country’s infrastructure. Rail services in some regions were delayed due to overheated tracks, and energy demand surged as households and businesses ramped up the use of air conditioning and cooling systems.
With more hot days forecast in the coming weeks, health and climate officials are urging the public to take precautions and remain vigilant.
“Heatwaves are no longer rare events,” said Dr. Klein. “They are becoming a new normal—and we must adapt accordingly.”