Extreme storms are expected in parts of Germany on Friday. Maps show the forecast and where thunderstorms are currently raging over Germany.

After storms raged across the country on Thursday, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), extreme storms are also likely in many parts of Germany on Friday. Thunderstorms, hail and storms are to be expected from the afternoon, possibly with hurricanes or even tornadoes. In extreme cases, very heavy rainfall can be expected locally. Heavy storms are expected, especially in parts of NRW, northern Rhineland-Palatinate, Brandenburg and Saxony – see also the maps at the bottom of the article.

The so-called supercells are also possible. A supercell is a huge thundercloud with strong updrafts, in the center of which is a rotating vortex that can grow into a tornado. However, a tornado can usually only be predicted minutes in advance (read also an interview with a tornado expert), and in the case of thunderstorms at least a few hours in advance.

On Thursday evening it was still said that the highest official severe weather warning level 4 could be declared in many places. Level 4 can mean danger to life. In the event of such an official warning, the DWD advises generally being cautious and avoiding spending time outdoors.

Map I: See live where thunderstorms are brewing

The interactive map below shows where it is currently lightning, thundering and raining. In addition, you can use the timeline at the bottom of the graphic to call up the forecast for a later point in time. At the top right, the displayed level can also be switched to rain or snow, for example.

The service is provided by Windy.com. The makers use the model from the “European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts” for their representations and forecasts.

Map II: This is the forecast for Friday

Again, the map above shows the forecast for Friday, May 20th. Clicking on the map takes you to the provider “Wetter.de”.

Sources: DWD, Wetter.de, Windy.com

In the gallery: With violent gusts of wind, heavy rain and hail, storms erupted on Thursday, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia – albeit less badly than feared. The heavier front is to follow this Friday.