Germany Braces for Extreme Heat and Thunderstorms

High levels of heat are forecast across Germany with hot air moving into the country from the southwest, the German Weather Service (DWD) said.

There's an extreme heat warning in place for large parts of the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

There are also warnings for places in the northern state of Lower Saxony and places in the central state of Hesse.

In western and southwestern Germany, temperatures could reach up to 38 degrees Celsius (a little more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

Thunderstorms and isolated showers in some parts too

Forecasts also predict thunderstorms and isolated showers in the south of the country later this evening.

There's potential for heavy rain, hail, strong gusts of wind, and severe weather in southwestern Germany, especially in the regions of Baden and Swabia.

The DWD said the situation would ease overnight, though storm activity could continue in the west of the country.

Guten Tag from the Bonn Newsroom!

Heat warnings have been issued for most parts of the country, with temperatures forecast to rise to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in Bonn.

Plus, the North Bridge (Nordbrücke) in Bonn, one of the region's busiest crossings over the Rhine, is to be closed to cars and trucks for the next two years.

Follow along for the latest on Germany throughout the day with DW.