Bad weather is expected to impact several matches during the Euro 2024 round of 16, with severe thunderstorms potentially soaking the pitch for Germany’s match against Denmark. Meanwhile, England’s game against Slovakia is forecast to experience only light rain.
The knockout phase kicks off on Saturday with Switzerland facing Italy in Berlin, followed by the Germany-Denmark match in Dortmund. On Sunday, England takes on Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen, and Spain plays Georgia in Cologne. Of these fixtures, the one in Dortmund is most likely to be affected by heavy rainfall.
The Westfalenstadion previously experienced torrential rain during the Group F match between Turkey and Georgia on June 18, when water poured through a gap in the roof of Borussia Dortmund’s home ground.
Multiple games in the round of 16 are anticipated to be played in wet weather.
Some of the worst weather is expected in Dortmund, where Germany will play Denmark.
Dortmund also experienced torrential rain during the Group F match between Turkey and Georgia.
Meteorologist Dominik Jung told BILD on Friday: ‘From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the southwest and west to central Germany.
‘These storms could bring extremely heavy rain, with 40 to 80 liters per square meter falling within a few hours.
‘Additionally, large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is expected, along with strong storm or hurricane-force gusts reaching 100 to 140 km/h.
‘Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.’
Fortunately, the storm is expected to bypass Berlin entirely, with sunny skies predicted for the opening match of the round of 16.
German and Danish fans heading to the Westfalenstadion may need to prepare for wet weather.
Much of central Germany is expected to be impacted by the incoming heavy storm on Saturday night.
England’s match against Slovakia is forecast to have only light rain on Sunday evening.
While the England-Slovakia game is expected to have light rain, the Spain-Georgia match in Cologne should remain dry despite overcast skies.
Although only one match may be significantly impacted by the storm, fans and teams in and around Dortmund, Cologne, Bonn, Paderborn, and Hannover on Saturday evening should prepare for heavy rainfall.