'Heat stress': How hot will Germany get this week?

Most of the country is seeing a hot and sunny start to the week with temperatures set to reach 32C in the Upper Rhine area.

It's cooler along the coast and in the north, though, in places like Hamburg and Rostock. There temperatures will range between 20C and 24C at the top of the week with some periodic cloud cover offering short breaks from the sun.

As of Monday morning, the German Weather Service (DWD) predicts even more sunny weather ahead: temperatures on Tuesday could be even hotter with highs of 36C in parts of the southwest.

The national forecaster has also issued a heat warning for the southwest, which includes Munich and Stuttgart, and in the Rhine region.

Only the far north of the country is expected to escape the high 30s with slightly less sweaty temperatures of between 23C and 29C on Tuesday.

There's little respite at night-time either with temperatures unlikely to fall below 21C in warm regions.

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It's a similar – but even hotter – picture on Wednesday with temperatures ranging from 31C to 38C in much of the country with the southwest continuing to experience the hottest weather.

Coastal regions were still predicted to be cooler with some showers and thunderstorms possible in the southern low mountain ranges, according to DWD.

But the sustained sunny period was forecast to break on Thursday with clouds moving in and thunderstorms and heavy rain possible in the afternoon.

While some areas may see heavy rain, temperatures are expected to remain high - between 29C and 38C.

The stormy period could continue into the coming weekend, too, with thunderstorms, heavy rain, gusty winds – and even hail – dominating the weather picture. But it would still be hot, DWD said, with temperatures of between 28C to 36C.

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Unrelenting heat and humidity can be dangerous for vulnerable people, such as older people and young children.

The DWD warns of "severe heat stress" when temperatures feel above 32C (with little cooling at night) and "extreme heat stress" when the temperature rises above 38C.

Recommended precautions to take in a heatwave: 

• Drink plenty of water
• Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest times of day
• Avoid physical exertion