Germany registered its hottest temperature ever measured on Friday, hitting 41.3°C (106.3°F), according to preliminary data from the national weather service. The reading marks a historic extreme for the country amid an intense heatwave sweeping across Europe.
The previous national record was set in July 2015, when temperatures reached 40.3°C in Kitzingen, Bavaria. Friday's reading surpasses that by a full degree, underscoring the accelerating impact of climate change on European weather patterns.
The weather service cautioned that the data is preliminary and subject to verification. Forecasts suggest the heat could intensify further over the weekend, potentially pushing temperatures even higher in some regions.
The extreme heat poses serious risks to public health, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. German authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Some climate scientists argue that attributing a single heat record to global warming remains methodologically challenging, though the broader trend of rising temperatures is clear.