Germany braces for next heatwave as excess heat deaths top 5,000

Germany is set to experience its third heatwave of the summer, after record temperatures in June caused thousands of excess deaths.

The German Weather Service (DWD) said on Friday that south-western regions will bear the brunt of the new heatwave, with the mercury set to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius on Monday. 

Meteorologist Christian Herold said Germany is on the eastern edge of the heat dome that has left Western Europe sweltering in recent days, but that the phenomenon could spread further east in the coming days. 

A north-westerly wind is still bringing cool Atlantic air to northern Germany, meaning temperatures are unlikely to match those seen in the June heatwave. 

The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's public health agency, estimated on Thursday that 5,100 people died from heat-related causes during the late June heatwave, which saw a new national record of 41.7 degrees set in the eastern state of Brandenburg. 

DWD expert Herold said it was unclear how long the new heatwave will last, but clarified that "record temperatures like those seen at the end of June are not expected."

The air is still relatively dry, he said, explaining that perceived temperatures will therefore be slightly lower than during the last heatwave. Nights can also cool down relatively well, particularly outside urban areas.

But the meteorologist also warned that persistent heat means "drought is worsening again, particularly in the south-west."

"The already dry ground is drying out further, water levels in many rivers are falling and the risk of forest fires is rising again," said Howard.