Storm warning for Schleswig-Holstein: violent thunderstorms and squalls are threatening!

Storm warning for Schleswig-Holstein: violent thunderstorms and squalls are threatening!

On Wednesday, July 2nd, Schleswig-Holstein was hit by a veritable heat wave. Temperatures of up to 34 degrees caused sweaty moments and caused people in the coastal regions to seek cooling off. But the summer weather had its downsides, as the German Weather Service (DWD) sounded the alarm and issued a storm warning for parts of the state. In the affected districts of Rendsburg-Eckernförde and Segeberg, thunderstorms were forecast until 7:30 p.m., and people should also be careful in cities like Kiel and Neumünster. The warning level was 2 out of 4, meaning all affected areas were expected to experience serious weather events.

The DWD also warned of dangerous squalls that could occur until 10 p.m. These gusts of wind, which can reach up to 102 km/h at times, bring with them the danger of falling branches and flying objects. A look at the Beaufort scale shows that even a storm of magnitude 10 can have devastating effects. Anyone who spent time outdoors would do well to be particularly careful, as hurricane-like storms that can reach up to 117 km/h should not be underestimated.

Severe weather warnings and forecasts

The severe weather center provides a comprehensive overview of the acute weather warnings in Schleswig-Holstein. Particular attention should be paid to the areas around the German Bight, the North Frisian Islands and northern Schleswig-Holstein. Not only thunderstorms, but also hail and heavy rain are possible here. According to the overview page, advance warnings that are issued up to 48 hours in advance are just as important as immediate acute warnings. These are declared when the arrival of a natural hazard is already becoming apparent. It becomes particularly dangerous when the warning levels change to the orange and red range, which indicates moderate or severe storms.

The current warning situation report from the DWD, which was created on July 3rd at 3:30 a.m., shows that a cold front from a low over Scandinavia is reaching the region. This front brings cooler maritime polar air and causes temperatures to drop quickly. While remnants of subtropical air still remain in the south of Germany, people in northern Germany can already expect a significant drop in temperature. Thunderstorms along and south of the Danube can also cause severe squalls with wind speeds of up to 85 km/h.

Particularly affected regions can be observed in the next few hours in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where stiff gusts of up to 55 km/h and even stormy gusts can be expected on the coasts. A look at the weather forecasts shows: The next update from the DWD is expected by 5:00 a.m. on July 3rd at the latest. All of this suggests that careful planning and a good hand are needed to get through the storms safely.

For anyone who plans to spend time outdoors during this time, it is advisable to follow the weather reports carefully and take appropriate protective measures in the event of impending storms. The current situation makes it clear that Mother Nature always has a plan, which can sometimes get really messed up. The next few hours and days in Schleswig-Holstein could be turbulent.