Berlin, Germany. Germany prepared for sweltering conditions on Saturday as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths in Western Europe moved east after temperatures in the country broke records above 40 degrees Celsius.
A preliminary national record of 41.3 C was registered on Friday near Saarbruecken close to the French border, according to a spokesperson for Germany’s National Meteorological Service.
Heatwave moves east across Europe
Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany have all experienced record heat in June, and the weather system was expected to test more records as it moved across Germany toward Poland.
In France, dozens of people, both young and old, have died during the heatwave. Temperatures above 40 C have disrupted rail travel and power generation, led to alcohol bans, suspended schools and postponed outdoor events.
Weekend peak expected in Germany
“The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40 degrees in some parts of Germany,” Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de, said.
Parts of Germany, mainly in the southwest, have already experienced a much hotter June than usual.
Transport and events affected
Organisers of the Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon in Frankfurt said the cycling and running courses for Sunday’s event had been shortened because of the heat.
Facing the prospect of damage to infrastructure such as buckling roads and swelling train tracks, some major public service providers sought to reduce traffic.
German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn gave customers the option of cancelling long-distance travel bookings into early next week without charge because of the heatwave.
The company said its infrastructure was under particular strain because of sun exposure and due to additional risks to signals, tracks and overhead wires from thunderstorms and wildfires.
