Official heat warning for Thursday

Plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and occasional thunderstorms - hot summer weather is expected in Berlin and Brandenburg on Thursday, with isolated heavy rain and hurricane-force gusts in the evening.

It won't be quite as bad as during the heat wave at the end of June, but it won't be far off either, said a meteorologist with the German Weather Service (DWD). The big difference is that there will be only one hot day. Nevertheless, an official heat warning is in effect on Thursday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Recommendation for older people: Be well prepared and avoid unnecessary trips

Daytime highs on Thursday will hover around 38 degrees, with a moderate westerly breeze, the spokeswoman said: "That won’t really cool things down." The weather will initially be similar to Wednesday’s, just eight degrees warmer. Significant heat stress is expected. The Silbernetz association recommended that older people living alone prepare for the heat, avoid unnecessary trips, eat light meals, drink plenty of fluids and keep their homes as cool as possible. Heat waves pose a health risk, especially for older people.

Severe thunderstorms possible this evening

After the heat of the day, things could really kick into high gear this evening: The DWD is forecasting short but intense thunderstorms for this evening, around sunset, with heavy rain, hurricane-force gusts and large hailstones up to two centimeters in diameter. Up to 25 liters of precipitation per square meter could fall, and in some areas even up to 35 liters. It is not possible to predict exactly where the thunderstorms will occur in the evening. However, the meteorologist said that in many places, there could at least be a storm or severe gusts by evening. She recommends not being fooled by the sunny start to the day, keeping an eye on the weather warning app and closing the windows.

Moderate wildfire risk due to low humidity

According to the DWD, the combination of low humidity and dry conditions also contributes to the spread of forest and field fires. For Berlin and Brandenburg, the moderate forest fire danger level is in effect for Thursday. So far, the summer has been quite changeable, the meteorologist said. We’ve seen everything from autumn-like temperatures, like last week, to record-breaking heat.