Luxembourg prepares for severe weather as Meteolux raises the alert level to orange, cautioning of thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds expected from 8pm on Saturday until midnight.

A nationwide yellow alert for flooding, issued by the Water Management Authority, was in place from Saturday 4pm until Sunday 11am.

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There was a significant likelihood of thunderstorms later today, expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds reaching speeds of 90-100 km/h, potentially leading to localised flash floods.

Earlier on Saturday a meteorologist from Germany's Kachelmannwetter said it is likely the Grand Duchy will experience thunderstorms – and updates indicate the storm will arrive between 8pm and 9pm, accompanied by heavy rain and hail.

On Friday afternoon, Meteolux already issued a yellow alert from 8pm until midnight on Saturday, warning of winds that could reach up to 80 km/h, and up to 20 litres of rainfall per square metre.

Estimates put the anticipated waterfall at 20 to 40 liters per square meter, locally possibly even 60 liters. Given these levels, there is some expectation of flooding. Models also now point to the possibility of uprooted trees. It is still possible today's yellow alert could be upgraded to orange.

The crux of the storm will probably extend to the east of Luxembourg, so the Saarland, the Palatinate, the Rhine-Main area and the northern Baden-Württemberg will be the hardest hit.

While earlier reports suggested that anyone planning to spend their Saturday evening manning the barbecue or attending a public viewing of the Euro 2024 last 16 matches might want to keep an eye on the weather, just in case it's best to stay at home – Meteorologist Lars Dahlstrom appeals for the public, under no circumstances to go to public viewings farther east (for example, to watch the football EC match between Germany and Denmark). That would be "dangerous to life", according to the meteorologist.

Due to the thunderstorms, the temperatures will also drop on Sunday to between 17 and 22°C, while on Saturday temperatures will remain between 25 to 30°C. Next week there will be a mix of sun and clouds, occasional showers, but no thunderstorms are to be expected.