Berlin police deploy water cannons to cool residents off as heat reaches records

Police in Berlin have deployed water cannons into the streets to spray fine mist over people seeking some sort of relief from soaring temperatures this weekend. Officers began operations at the Brandenburg Gate before moving on to Potsdamer Platz and other central locations. They had already dispensed 9,000 litres by mid-afternoon and paused to refill tanks before continuing patrols.

Temperatures break previous records

Temperatures climbed sharply across the capital region on Saturday, June 27. The weather station at Berlin-Tempelhof recorded 39.5ºC, beating the prior high of 38.6ºC set in Koepenick during 2015. Potsdam reached 39.9ºC on the same day. Forecasters warned that readings could touch 41ºC before long, with conditions remaining oppressive for the coming week.

Pools reach capacity as crowds seek relief

Outdoor swimming pools filled rapidly, forcing many facilities to turn people away by early afternoon. Visitors reported long waits and frustration at several sites, including one in Wilmersdorf. Indoor options faced similar pressure. Staff at the historic Charlottenburg baths stopped selling tickets around 4.30pm, leaving long queues waiting outside in the hope of entry. Some swimmers considered trying other indoor venues instead.

Emergency services handle rise in heat-related calls

Fire and rescue teams responded to more incidents than usual throughout Saturday. Crews dealt mainly with circulatory complaints, cardiac arrests and problems at swimming spots. A spokesperson said that Friday had already produced over 300 extra calls compared with normal levels for the time of year, and Saturday followed a comparable pattern.

Motorway melt forcing major diversions

Heat damage worsened on the A2 motorway linking Brandenburg with Saxony-Anhalt. Police closed successive junctions near Ziesar after sections of the surface deteriorated to the point where safe driving became impossible. Traffic diverted onto local roads, creating even further congestion on alternative routes. Drivers received strong advice to avoid the motorway altogether, as mapping apps showed inaccurate delay times. Those who travelled anyway were urged to carry extra water, food and any essential medication.