Air conditioner sales up as heat wave hits Germany
3851 Min Read
A heat wave that has gripped Europe for weeks has now arrived in Germany, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday and national weather service DWD forecasting them to climb as high as 38 degrees by mid-week. Temperatures along Germany’s northern coast will be a few degrees cooler.
Adding to the discomfort of those high temperatures comes increased humidity, with the threat of major thundershowers increasing as temperatures and humidity reach their high point on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the DWD advised citizens to “drink a lot, try to stay in the shade, avoid physical exertion and keep your home cool.”
Meteorologists say it is unclear exactly how long the current heat wave will last before it moves eastward.
The production and import of air conditioners have also increased dramatically this year as summer heatwaves increase in intensity and frequency.
Germany’s Federal Statistical Office recorded a 92% increase in domestic production in 2024, which jumped from 164,000 units produced in 2023 to 317,000 in 2024.
Overall, production has risen 75% over the past five years.
Imports, too, remain high, with Germany purchasing €949 million ($1.1 billion) worth of units in 2024, slightly less than the record of €957 million set in 2023.
One-in-four imported A/C units was manufactured in Italy, followed by China and Sweden.
