Severe Weather Warnings Continue Across Germany and France
Large parts of Germany and France are bracing for a continuation of extreme weather conditions marked by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the next few weeks. Germany, in particular, has been experiencing an unusually warm May, but the joy of spring has been dampened by life-threatening storms, floods, and landslides in various regions.
Long Period of Severe Weather Predicted for Germany
Meteorologist Dominik Jung from Wetter.net has issued a sobering forecast, predicting that the unsettled weather will persist until at least June 8th. The forecast includes daily thunderstorms and severe weather warnings throughout Germany, with temperatures occasionally soaring over 30 degrees. Other areas such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria can also expect intense rain and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flooding.
France Faces Similar Stormy Conditions
France is not spared from these severe weather patterns. Heavy showers are affecting the northeast regions of Alsace and Lorraine, with flooding concerns raised by La Chaîne Météo. The south-west is also disrupted by storms, although the Mediterranean rim remains relatively unscathed. France will see a slight improvement towards the weekend, but storms will continue to pose a risk over most of the country, particularly in regions like Burgundy and the Paris Basin.
- The German Weather Service (DWD) has warned that the warm and humid air masses currently over Germany can result in large amounts of precipitation, potentially overwhelming the sewer systems and causing flooding. In some areas, up to 50 liters of rain per square meter could fall in a short span of time.
- In both Germany and France, these weather conditions are exacerbated by stationary low-pressure areas that move very slowly, leading to repeated thunderstorms in the same locations. This phenomenon has been compared to a ‘wet sponge,’ with the atmosphere holding a lot of water and releasing it intensely and frequently.
- Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through local weather forecasts and to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Emergency services are also on high alert to respond to flooding and other weather-related incidents.
