A deadly heatwave that has scorched Western Europe is now moving east, bringing the prospect of extreme temperatures approaching 40°C to Germany and Poland this weekend.
The system has already been linked to dozens of deaths in France, where temperatures above 40°C disrupted rail travel, power generation, and public life. Preliminary data indicates a new German record may have been set Friday near Saarbruecken, reaching over 41°C.
"The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40 degrees in some parts of Germany," said meteorologist Karsten Brandt.
The extreme conditions are causing significant infrastructure strain. Germany's national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, is allowing free cancellations for long-distance travel, citing risks to tracks and signals from both the heat and potential thunderstorms.
Major public events have been modified. The Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt shortened its cycling and running courses. The heatwave, which has pushed temperatures up to 18°C above seasonal averages, is driven by a persistent Omega block weather pattern.
Scientists state this event would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change. The most extreme heat is forecast to begin fading by Sunday, with heavy thunderstorms expected.