Europe remains under a strongly contrasting weather pattern on Tuesday, September 15. Late-summer warmth dominates much of France and parts of central Europe, while a cold front approaches from the North Sea and begins to affect northern Germany later in the day. Farther south, parts of Italy continue to see local instability.
France is among the warmest areas. Temperatures of 35 to 36°C are still possible in the southwest, while 30°C can extend well into northern parts of the country. Sunshine is widespread away from the English Channel.
Germany turns more unsettled from the northwest
Germany starts the day under weak high pressure, with warm and mostly dry conditions in many regions. The southwest can reach around 29 to 30°C, while the North Sea coast stays closer to 20 to 24°C.
Later in the afternoon and evening, the cold front of a Scandinavian low begins to move inland from the northwest. Thunderstorms may develop across parts of Lower Saxony, bringing local heavy rain, small hail and gusty winds.
Alpine countries stay settled
Switzerland and Austria enjoy a much calmer Tuesday. Sunshine is widespread after any early mist or low cloud clears, and temperatures rise well above 20°C in many lowland and valley locations. Western Austria may reach about 27°C.
The Alpine region therefore remains one of the most stable parts of central Europe during the daytime.
Southern Italy keeps local thunderstorms
Most of northern and central Italy stays dry, but southern regions remain more unstable. Showers and thunderstorms are possible in parts of Calabria, Sicily, Basilicata, southern Campania and Puglia, with locally moderate rainfall.
A transition day for Europe
Tuesday is therefore best described as a transition day. Warm and settled conditions still dominate large areas, but the advancing northern cold front signals a more changeable phase for parts of central Europe from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 09:10 CEST.