Ironically, heavy thunderstorms hit parts of Germany during the DFB’s Round of 16 match against Denmark on Saturday. After about half an hour, the Dortmund stadium was hit by heavy rain, lightning and thunder. The players fled back to the dressing room, waterfalls raining down from the roof of the stands on the lower levels. The game resumed after 20 minutes.
Due to the storm, public performances in Friedensplatz and Westfalenpark were also cancelled, Dortmund police announced.
The German Meteorological Agency has warned of hail and heavy rain
The German Weather Service (DWD) issued an early warning of regionally heavy rain, gale-force winds and large hail – particularly in southwestern Germany. The center of the storm moves eastward as the evening and night progresses.
Public viewing is not recommended, said Tobias Reynards, a DWD meteorologist in Offenbach, on Saturday. “It’s very dangerous if you’re out in the open.” DWD strongly recommends keeping an eye on warning conditions and weather developments.
Due to a severe weather warning for the evening, the Frankfurt/Main fan zone was closed on Saturday.
First the heat, then the storm in Bavaria
Severe thunderstorms and gusty winds are possible in parts of Bavaria. DWD initially issued a heat warning due to temperatures reaching 34 degrees. People should drink plenty of fluids, stay cool indoors and avoid heat.
According to the forecast, heavy thunderstorms are likely in the north of Bavaria in the evening and at night – Lower Franconia in particular will be affected. Locally, “very heavy” downpours of up to 80 liters per square metre, along with hail and gusty winds are possible. A local cyclonic wind speed of 120 kilometers per hour cannot be ruled out. In other parts of the Free State, however, the prospects for a dry public viewing are relatively good.
