Germany Scorched by Extreme Heat, Asphalt Melts
Germany has recorded its latest all-time high temperature, reaching 41.7 degrees Celsius, as an extreme heatwave continues to envelop Europe. Tram operations in Leipzig, eastern Germany, were forced to a temporary halt after damage was detected on tracks and components.
Data from the German Weather Service (DWD), as reported by Euro News and AFP on Monday (2026/6/29), shows that an air temperature of 41.7 degrees Celsius was recorded in the eastern Brandenburg region on Sunday (28/6) afternoon, at approximately 16:00 local time.
The data was reported by a monitoring station in Coschen, located near the Polish border.
This figure broke the previous record of 41.5 degrees Celsius, which was recorded just one day earlier, on Saturday (27/6), in the Drewitz region.
According to the DWD, the night leading into Sunday (28/6) local time was also recorded as the warmest night in Germany since official records began nearly 150 years ago, with a nighttime temperature of 29.4 degrees Celsius recorded in the Kubshuetz region of Saxony.
As a result of the extreme heat, Leipzig city authorities announced a temporary suspension of tram operations. The extreme temperatures were reported to have caused disruptions to the tracks and rail components traversed by trams in the city.
Reports from First Post noted that the excessively extreme heat has impacted asphalt and bitumen, forcing transport authorities in Leipzig to suspend services until safety inspections are completed.
Euro News reported that asphalt melted directly on top of tram tracks in the city of Leipzig.
German authorities have urged motorists to exercise more caution when traversing certain road sections. On several local motorways, including parts of the A2 in Saxony-Anhalt, Euro News reported that the asphalt surface experienced deformation, warping, or buckling.
The A2 motorway section near Burg was temporarily closed due to the damage before finally being reopened to traffic.
Several other motorway sections, particularly those in Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, remain closed due to damage to the road surface.
Beyond Germany, the extreme heatwave has also triggered emergency situations in several other European countries. France has reported approximately 1,000 deaths related to the extreme heat since 24 June, with local health authorities warning that the death toll could continue to rise.
The Czech Republic recorded its highest national temperature, with the Doksany region reaching 41.1 degrees Celsius.
The extreme heat, which has triggered disruptions to public infrastructure, is seen as reflecting the broader challenges facing European cities. Infrastructure designed based on the climatic conditions of the past in European countries is becoming increasingly vulnerable to record-breaking temperatures.