Heat record in Andernach: 39.3 degrees - the hottest day of 2025!

Heat record in Andernach: 39.3 degrees - the hottest day of 2025!

July 3, 2025 will go down in history as the hottest day of the year. In Andernach, Rhineland-Palatinate, the thermometer broke the 39 degree mark and reached an incredible 39.3 degrees at 3:30 p.m Rhine newspaper reported. This means that the highest temperature of the day was recorded in this region, even if the all-time record of 41.2 degrees, measured on July 25, 2019, remained untouched for the time being. This heat wave ended with a bang, as thunderstorms and severe weather struck North Rhine-Westphalia shortly afterwards.

The current weather extremes make it clear how critical the situation has become. While in Germany the high heat, sometimes over 39 degrees, pushed people to their limits, other countries are struggling with the devastating consequences of extreme weather. At least three people died in France as a result of the heat wave, and in Spain two died in a fire that destroyed 5,000 hectares of land in Catalonia. Such reports make it clear that the weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Storm after the heat wave

The oppressive heat was followed by violent thunderstorms with heavy rain and squalls in many parts of Germany. These inhospitable conditions led to fallen trees in several locations, blocking both roads and rail traffic. An area in Saxony/Brandenburg is particularly affected, where around 100 people, including 45 home residents, had to be evacuated due to a forest fire. In Thuringia, over 250 hectares were affected by a fire in Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.

In Cologne itself, the central heating system did not remain untouched. Here, 64 thermostats and radiator valves were not working, which presented some challenges for residents.
However, the coming weather forecast gives hope for calming down: on Thursday, heavy rains and thunderstorms are forecast in the south and southeast, which are expected to reduce temperatures by more than ten degrees. The forecast for Friday promises changeable weather, with clear periods and temperatures up to 30 degrees.

Climate change and its consequences

Recent events are part of a worrying trend. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the temperature development has shown an increase of an impressive 2.5 degrees since 1981. The year 2024 also set a new record and was the warmest year since weather records began, with an increase of 0.3 degrees. The ZDF today reports that the climate change service of the EU Copernicus program has identified 2024 as the warmest year. The Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees, ideally 1.5 degrees, but a recent study shows that we have probably already exceeded this mark.

The health impacts of these extreme temperatures are particularly concerning. Vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly are particularly affected as rising concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to reach new highs. The UN climate protection index points out that Germany has slipped to 16th place, while other countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Great Britain can maintain their position in the ranking.

In summary, the events of the last few days offer a clear appeal to politics and society: comprehensive and efficient climate protection is essential in order to limit the damage from future disasters and to leave an environment worth living in for future generations. We should all have a good hand in climate protection, because the heat and storms of the last few days make it clear that something is happening!