Germany has broken its all-time temperature record for the second consecutive day, with a preliminary reading of 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 Fahrenheit) in the eastern town of Möckern-Drewitz, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). This surpasses the previous record of 41.3°C set on Friday. The DWD has issued a red alert for most of the country and warned that temperatures could approach 42°C.

Leaders from Germany's steel, chemical, and automotive industries have criticized state-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB), claiming its inefficiency is costing them billions of euros. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, they said decaying infrastructure has forced them to shift freight transport to roads, which is less efficient. Steelmaker Salzgitter reported throttling production, while ArcelorMittal said ore reserves at its Eisenhüttenstadt plant had reached critically low levels.

Former German President Joachim Gauck has urged politicians to prioritize national interest over party politics amid a stalemate over reforms. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Gauck stated that citizens expect resolve and that true reforms demand sacrifices. The government is debating a 33-point pension reform proposal, but divisions have emerged within the ruling coalition, with the conservative CDU pushing for swift passage and the center-left SPD advocating for a slower, partial approach.

The DWD forecasts thunderstorms and heavy rain over the weekend, but high temperatures are expected to persist until at least Monday. Tropical nights, with little cooling at night, are adding to the strain. Isolated thunderstorms arriving from the west may bring heavy rain, high winds, and hail.

Outgoing Federal Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism Felix Klein expressed regret over the deteriorating quality of life for Jews in Germany, citing the conflation of Jewish identity with Israeli politics as a major problem.

Source: www.dw.com