After lots of sunshine and summery temperatures at the weekend, the first thunderstorms cooled things down. The German Weather Service (DWD) in Offenbach predicted some showers and sometimes strong thunderstorms in southern Germany on Monday afternoon and evening. Official warnings of strong thunderstorms were also issued for some regions on Tuesday (including the extreme west and southwest, west of the Alps).
From Wednesday to Friday, larger areas of the southwest half could also be affected by storm-like heavy rain. “In addition to flash floods, floods and full basements, there is also a risk of flooding, especially on smaller rivers and streams,” warned Leyser. Where exactly the boundary between heavy rain and dry sections ultimately lies is not entirely certain. “It tends to shift further northeast next weekend.”
The interactive map below shows where there is currently lightning, thunder and rain. You can also view the forecast for a later date using the timeline at the bottom of the graphic. At the top right, the level displayed can also be changed to, for example, rain or snow.
The service is provided by Windy.com. The makers use the model from the “European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts” for their representations and forecasts.
The map above shows the DWD’s thunderstorm warnings for today. It is a binary weather map, i.e. places for which there is a thunderstorm warning are colored red. No coloring means no warning.
The best protection in the event of a storm is a solid building or, alternatively, a closed car. In buildings without lightning protection for power and supply lines, the plugs of electrical devices should be unplugged during thunderstorms
In the great outdoors, walkers or cyclists should crouch down in depressions, ravines, under rocky outcrops or reinforced concrete bridges, clutch their legs and lower their heads. The distance to other people or bicycles should be at least one meter. Metal objects such as tools or sports equipment should also be kept as far away as possible
The saying “You should avoid oaks, you should look for beeches” is wrong. Tall, free-standing trees should generally be avoided, as should poles or fences. Even in the forest, walkers should crouch down and protect themselves. The danger is generally lower in the middle of many trees than in open areas. Staying in the water is absolutely taboo
If less than 30 seconds pass between lightning and thunder, the thunderstorm is still around ten kilometers away, i.e. very close. Then it is advisable to seek protection. The danger is only averted 30 minutes after the last thunder and lightning
Sources: DWD, agencies
