A record-breaking heat wave in Germany has given way to a sharp drop in temperatures and severe thunderstorms. At least 15 people have drowned in lakes, rivers, and pools across the country since Friday, according to police reports.

In the latest incident, the body of a 17-year-old was recovered from a quarry lake in Peine, Lower Saxony, on Sunday. Several deaths were reported in Berlin and other western states. Most fatalities occurred in unsupervised waters, such as mining lakes and rivers.

The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts temperatures of 25-29°C on Monday, a stark contrast to the record 41.7°C measured in Brandenburg on Sunday. This was the third consecutive daily record, following 41.3°C in Saarbrücken on Friday and 41.4°C on Saturday, with 41.5°C recorded in Saxony-Anhalt.

A DWD spokeswoman said June 2026 is likely to rank among the top three hottest Junes on record. The heat wave has now moved to Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Germany has already warmed by 2.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels, above the global average.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is heading to Washington for talks with the US regime, focusing on NATO issues. The visit comes amid increasingly strained relations between the US and Europe.

Source: www.dw.com