Germany news: Extreme heat heads east, Greens want air con

Key Points:

• Germany experienced record-breaking heat with temperatures reaching up to 41.5°C, setting new national highs for two consecutive days, and the heatwave is now moving eastward with some relief expected from approaching storm fronts.
• Extreme heat warnings remain in place across most of Germany, with the German Weather Service forecasting continued high temperatures and tropical nights, contributing to multiple forest fires, including one near munition-laden military training grounds in Rhineland-Palatinate.
• At least seven people died in swimming accidents over the weekend as many sought to cool off in lakes and rivers amid the extreme heat, highlighting public safety concerns during the heatwave.
• Industry leaders criticized Deutsche Bahn for infrastructure issues causing billions in losses due to disrupted freight transport, urging urgent improvements to prioritize rail freight over road transport to support key sectors like steel and chemicals.
• The co-leader of the Greens, Katharina Dröge, called for rapid installation of air conditioning in public buildings such as hospitals and schools, advocating for combined solar-powered cooling solutions and government subsidies to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures.