Eastern Germany Sizzles with New Day and Night Temperature Records Amid Heatwave

Eastern Germany is currently enduring a historic heatwave, setting unprecedented temperature records both during the day and at night. The peak of this "heatwave for the history books" was reached on June 28, 2026, with temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius in parts of Saxony and Brandenburg. Sandersdorf-Brehna, in Saxony-Anhalt, recorded a provisional daytime high of 41.6 degrees Celsius, while Drewitz, also in Saxony-Anhalt, reached a new record of 41.5 degrees Celsius, breaking previous records including a 2019 high in Saarbrücken-Burbach.

At night, a new temperature high was set in Kubschütz, in the eastern Saxon district of Bautzen, where temperatures did not fall below 29.4 degrees Celsius. This surpasses the previous German nighttime heat record of 27.2 degrees Celsius in 2003. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), this exceptional heat is caused by local topography and southern winds producing föhn-like effects. The met service warns that extreme heat continues to affect eastern Germany, with temperatures forecast to peak around 42 degrees before a cooler spell begins.

The heatwave has caused several challenges across the region. Wildfires have been reported in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, producing significant smoke pollution, notably in Leipzig. The city has also experienced public transport disruptions as extreme heat has forced the suspension of streetcar operations. In response to infrastructure strains, Deutsche Bahn introduced a "heat courtesy" offer allowing ticket cancellations purchased before June 23 without penalties. Further, with the high UV index reaching dangerous levels, authorities have issued health advisories urging the public to limit sun exposure and avoid strenuous activities.

Looking ahead, the DWD forecasts relief with the arrival of severe thunderstorms expected on Sunday, bringing much-needed cooling across the eastern states. Temperatures are projected to fall below 30 degrees Celsius from Monday onwards, ending the oppressive heatwave.

This extreme weather event underlines the intensification of heat conditions in Germany, marking one of the most significant heatwaves in recent decades. It has prompted urgent safety and infrastructure responses while offering a stark indication of climate change's growing impact on the region.