As the Earth’s temperature rises, Europe has faced several serious heatwaves in recent years. Even though Germany usually has a mild climate, it has experienced extremely high temperatures. However, reports that Germany recently hit 44°C seem incorrect. This article looks at the actual data, explains the highest recorded temperatures, discusses the reasons behind these heatwaves and their effects, and covers what countries are doing to deal with extreme heat
The highest temperature ever officially recorded in Germany was 42
6°C, measured on July 25, 2019, in Lingen, Lower Saxony. This beat the previous high of 40. 3°C in Kitzingen (2015) and 40. 5°C in Geilenkirchen (also in July 2019, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet)
Some people and social media have shared stories about Germany hitting 44°C, but no serious weather service or official body has confirmed this
Based on what is known, the 44°C number is probably an error or confusion with heat records from other European countries like Spain or France
Europe has had record-hot summers in 2003, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022:
In 2003, heat spread across Europe.
Germany saw temperatures up to 40. 2°C in Karlsruhe, causing severe drought, low water levels, reduced energy production, and about 9,500 heat-related deaths in Germany alone.
In 2015, Germany set a new high of 40
3°C in Kitzingen on July 5, which was the highest since 1881
In 2018, there was a long period of heat from April to July, which was the hottest and driest on record, with an average temperature increase of +2
4°C to +3. 3°C. This caused fish deaths in rivers and disrupted shipping
In 2022, more than 4,500 excess deaths were estimated in Germany during June and July
Some states, like Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, reached new temperature highs above 38–39°C, with some areas in Bad Mergentheim going over 40°C
Most extreme heat events in Germany happen between mid-July and late July
Why the 44°C Claim Is Not True
No weather station in Germany has ever officially recorded 44°C
The German Weather Service (DWD) has strict checks on its data, and its confirmed record is 42.
6°C
The 44°C temperature has been seen in parts of southern Spain and Portugal, especially in June and July 2022 or 2023, but not in Germany
Stories about Germany reaching 44°C are probably due to mistakes or mixing up countries
Heatwave Effects on Germany
Public Health
The number of extra deaths has been very high:
In early 2022, during the hot months of June and July, about 4,500 extra deaths were recorded in Germany because of the extreme heat
In mid-2019, from April to July, the Robert Koch Institute estimated that 830 more deaths happened because of the heat by early July
Infrastructure & Environment
Rivers like the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube had very low water levels, which affected shipping, farming, and energy production
Because the water was too warm, coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants had to reduce their output
Electricity demand went up, which made electricity prices rise
Transportation systems, like train tracks and roads, had problems with heat
Tracks buckled and roads cracked, causing delays
Social Inequality & Vulnerable Groups
Many hospitals and schools don’t have air conditioning, and people who are already in a tough situation are hit the hardest
People living on the streets, those who work outside, and older adults are more likely to be affected by the heat
The Drivers: Climate Change and Atmospheric Patterns
Heatwaves in Europe are happening more often now
The warmest summers since 1500 were in 2003, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2019—most of these happened in the last 20 years
Scientists say that heatwaves like the one in 2019 are now five times more likely because of human-caused global warming
Things like blocked air patterns, a weaker jet stream, dry soil, and frequent droughts help keep heat going for longer in Central Europe
Government Response & Adaptation
Germany has taken several steps:
A national heat warning system now sends alerts to schools, elderly care centers, and other places so they can take steps like cooling down and making sure people stay hydrated
Money is being used to install cooling systems in schools, hospitals, and public buildings
Over €73. 5 million has been given to local projects that help with climate change, including green roofs, shaded areas, access to drinking water, and making buildings more heat-resistant
There are new laws being considered that would require rest breaks, cooling measures at work, and protections for people who work outside
Local areas have created “cooling centers,” hotlines, and information campaigns to help the elderly and other vulnerable groups
Lessons and Precautions for the Public
Everyone, including visitors, should be aware:
Be careful about claims that Germany hit 44°C—it’s almost never true
Trust the DWD records, which show the highest temperature ever measured was 42.
6°C.
During heatwaves, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy work outside, and check on your neighbors, elderly people, and those without homes
Policy-makers need to speed up efforts to cool cities, improve buildings, and update rules to make sure indoor climates are safer
Germany has certainly faced dangerous heat waves, and although 42.
6 °C is still the country’s highest recorded temperature, no official measurement has ever hit 44 °C. Some misleading reports probably mix up Germany’s weather with conditions in southern Europe, where temperatures have gone above 44 °C. These repeated extreme heat events show how climate change is affecting things, point out how society is vulnerable, and call for quick action to adapt and reduce the problem.