After the first heavy rain showers on Sunday evening, it’s in NRW not really cooled. And today the country is quickly heating up again. In addition, it becomes uncomfortably humid. The humid, warm air has great storm potential.
In the afternoon, the first storms can develop in the heated atmosphere. East Westphalia-Lippe and the Sauerland are particularly at risk, as are the Münsterland and Westphalia as a whole.
Official warnings from the German Weather Service
There are currently official severe weather warnings of the highest warning level violet from the German Weather Service (DWD) for parts of Sauerland and Siegerland as well as for the district of Olpe. The second highest warning level, red, applies to the district of Soest.
Heavy thunderstorms occur there. Cellars and streets can be flooded by particularly heavy rain, in extreme cases 40 to 50 liters per square meter can fall in one hour. Damage from gusts of wind around 75 km/h as well as lightning and hail are also possible.
When official severe weather warnings are issued, there is a risk of landslides, among other things. “Close all windows and doors. Secure outdoor objects. In particular, keep your distance from buildings, trees, scaffolding and high-voltage power lines. Avoid being outdoors if possible”, so the DWD in its warning.
Westphalia is particularly affected
Westphalia is particularly affected today. “Thunderstorms cannot be completely ruled out in the Rhineland either, but they will be more intense in Westphalia. Because the thunderstorms only move slowly, locally up to 50 or 60 liters per square meter cannot be ruled out. The wind can also break off larger branches”, announced the WDR weather editors on Monday.
On Sunday it was already crashing in southwest Germany
On Sunday afternoon there were already the first storms with heavy rain in southwest Germany. Heavy rainfall caused flooding and high property damage in the district of Tuttlingen in Baden-Württemberg. The police headquarters in Constance announced that extreme local hail and rain had caused flooded basements and vehicle and building damage within minutes. Rivers and streams overflowed their banks.