AccuWeather's 2019 Germany summer forecast
As spring nears its end, big changes are expected in the weather across Germany.
A summer filled with intense heat waves will put millions at risk for heat-related illnesses across the country.
The heat is expected to build in June with July and August being particularly hot.
Unlike last summer when the most intense heat was limited to short durations, several long-lasting heat waves are expected this year.
Several multi-day 32 C (90 F) plus heat waves are expected in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg during July and August.
During the hottest days of the summer, widespread temperatures of 35 C (95 F) are possible with the hottest locations forecast to climb near 38 C (100 F).
The long duration of the heat waves will increase the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Unseasonably warm nights will also be a concern during these heat waves, as homes without air conditioning will be unable to cool down before heat builds again the following day.
It will be important for residents and visitors to take extra care in the heat to prevent illness. Drinking plenty of water, spending time in the shade and wearing light clothing will be necessary.
When possible, strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.
Stagnant conditions contributing to the intense heat will result in poor air quality, especially in and near cities. Air quality can also be worsened by smoke from wildfires.
Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions should avoid spending time outside as much as possible when air quality alerts are issued.
A large part of the Elbe river bed is dried out during a long time of drought in front of the skyline with the Frauenkirche cathedral (Church of Our Lady) in Dresden, Germany, Monday, July 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
Drought concerns will build throughout the summer as the prolonged spells of hot, dry weather persist.
Water shortages cannot be ruled out for some communities as river levels fall and some streams dry up.
Stressed and damaged crops may result from the hot, dry weather and water shortages.
"This will be the second consecutive year that agriculture in Germany is severely affected by a summer drought," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.
Another significant concern this summer will be the elevated risk for wildfires.
A wet winter and spring across much of Germany will result in more vegetation than in previous years.
However, as dry weather prevails early in the summer, the country will be at a high risk for wildfires during the second half of the season.
A forest is light by wildfires near the village Klausdorf, about 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Berlin on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. (Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP)
The frequent heat waves will only add to the risk for wildfires.
"The dry weather will create a high fire risk from the Massif Central of France into central and southern Germany as well as the Alps," Roys said.
Warmer- and drier-than-normal conditions are likely to continue into early autumn.
