Germany news: Heat alerts in effect for millions

Published June 19, 2026last updated June 19, 2026Germany is bracing for a mix of high temperatures and thunderstorms on Friday. Repairs on the Bonn North Bridge will take another two years. DW has the latest.

https://p.dw.com/p/5FhuG

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High temperatures especially in western and southwestern Germany, likely hitting 38 degrees Celsius (little more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit)

Temperatures more bearable in the far north and far south

Thunderstorms expected in western Germany

Follow along for the latest news out ofGermany on June 19:

Skip next section Many primary schools closed in western North Rhine-Westphalia June 19, 2026

Many primary schools closed in western North Rhine-Westphalia

Many primary schools were closed on Friday in the western state of North-Rhine Westphalia.

In some secondary schools, classes for grades five to ten were dismissed after half-day to account for the heat.

The decisions are taken by school administrations.

But there are regulations that exclude high school students, which have been criticized by the Education and Science Workers' Union.

The German Red Cross (DRK) also called for better protection for homeless people, as they are a particularly vulnerable group.

Cities and municipalities must provide cool rooms and public drinking fountains , the Red Cross demanded in the regional Rheinische Post.

https://p.dw.com/p/5FiWn

Skip next section Bonn North Bridge to be closed until 2028, causing long-term traffic disruptions June 19, 2026

Bonn North Bridge to be closed until 2028, causing long-term traffic disruptions

Bonn's North Bridge (Friedrich-Ebert Bridge), one of only three bridges connecting the city split by the Rhine river, will likely remain closed for two years because a part of it will have to be reconstructed, authorities said.

Autobahn GmbH, the federal company responsible for maintaining the some 13,000-kilometer German motorway (Autobahn), said it determined that the approach bridge on the left bank of the Rhine for the bridge had to be demolished and rebuilt. It will likely remain closed until the end of 2028.

"The damage to the approach bridge on the left bank of the Rhine has deteriorated to such an extent that reopening the bridge to both lorry and car traffic is no longer an option," Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) said on Friday.

The Friedrich-Ebert Bridge is one of the most important transport routes in the region. Around 100,000 vehicles use the bridge every day.

The bridge has been  closed to traffic since early June .

https://p.dw.com/p/5FiHh

Skip next section Germany braces for a mix of summer heat and thunderstorms June 19, 2026

Germany braces for a mix of summer 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.

https://p.dw.com/p/5FhuH

Skip next section Welcome to our blog June 19, 2026

Welcome to our blog

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.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Fi77

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