Extreme Heatwave Grips Berlin and Brandenburg, Triggering Severe Storms and Widespread Impact
Berlin, June 20, 2026 – An extreme heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius, swept across Berlin and Brandenburg on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This intense weather front brought with it severe storms, significant infrastructure damage, and a heightened risk of forest fires across the region.
The Federal Office of Civil Protection issued a warning via the NINA app, highlighting the extreme heat stress, which is particularly exacerbated in densely populated urban areas like Berlin due to reduced nocturnal cooling. The previous day, Friday, saw Cottbus record the highest temperature in Brandenburg at 36.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Baruth at 35.7 degrees, and both Potsdam and Berlin-Tempelhof at 35.3 degrees, as reported by meteorologist Florian Engelmann of the German Weather Service (DWD).
Infrastructure Damaged and Emergency Services Stretched
The scorching temperatures led to immediate consequences. In Cottbus, a windowpane detached from the ninth floor of the Spree Galerie building and crashed onto the pavement. In response, the city announced a comprehensive inspection of all windows in the building complex. Furthermore, the heat caused considerable road damage on Autobahn 13 towards Schönefelder Kreuz, where the asphalt buckled, necessitating a speed limit reduction to 30 kilometers per hour between Duben and Freiwalde.
Despite the high temperatures, localized heavy showers and severe thunderstorms erupted, bringing with them powerful gusts of wind up to 100 kilometers per hour, hailstones up to three centimeters in diameter, and intense heavy rainfall exceeding 30 liters per square meter, according to the German Weather Service. Neuruppin experienced flooded streets and temporary power outages due to the torrential downpours. In Uckermark and Oderland, fire departments responded to 64 incidents involving fallen trees, and a barn fire caused by a lightning strike was also reported.
Expert Warnings and Public Health Advisories
Weather expert Dr. Karsten Brandt commented on the morning temperatures in the eastern part of the country, stating to BILD, “These will be absurdly high peak temperatures in some areas!” Brandt also predicted morning temperatures in the capital, saying, “I’m betting on Berlin with 26, 27 degrees in the morning!”
Diplom-meteorologist Dominik Jung highlighted the risk of localized thunderstorms forming in the southwest and northwest during the afternoon. “Locally, this can escalate into severe weather conditions,” Jung explained. An unnamed expert from the German Weather Service further detailed the dangers of heavy rainfall and squalls, warning, “Locally, there will be storm-like developments with heavy rainfall exceeding 30 liters per square meter and severe squalls or hurricane-force gusts around 100 km/h.”
Johannes Habermehl, a weather expert from daswetter.com, described the persistent air mass over large parts of Germany. “Germany can’t escape the sweating. Especially in the southwest, a glowing hot air mass has been lying over the country for days, and there’s no end in sight. Day after day, temperatures climb above the 35-degree mark, reaching values around 40 degrees in the hottest corners.”
Authorities have issued urgent warnings regarding the health risks associated with the weather conditions and provided behavioral recommendations for the public. The German Weather Service advised, “Avoid the heat if possible, drink enough water, and keep interiors cool.”
Berlin’s Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) specifically drew attention to the life-threatening situation for homeless individuals and urged the public to be extra vigilant. “I ask all Berliners to continue to pay attention to homeless people who are sitting unprotected in the sun and appear helpless. Approach people at eye level, ask if help is needed, and if necessary, call an ambulance,” Kiziltepe stated.
The State Office for Health and Social Affairs also recommends avoiding physical exertion and ventilating homes only at night or early in the morning. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment continues to maintain the second highest forest fire warning level in five districts of Brandenburg.
Source: https://www.asatunews.co.id/de/hitzewelle-gewitter-berlin-brandenburg
