Germany recorded a provisional all-time temperature high of 41.3 degrees Celsius on Friday, the German Weather Service (DWD) said.
The reading was measured at 5 pm (1500 GMT) in Saarbrücken, in the western state of Saarland, as a record-breaking heatwave that has gripped parts of Western Europe tightens its hold on Germany.
If confirmed, the temperature would surpass the previous national heat record of 41.2 degrees, set on July 25, 2019.
The DWD said several records had been broken on Friday, including Germany's previous June record of 39.6 degrees, measured on June 30, 2019, in the central town of Bernburg.
Saarland's previous all-time high of 40.2 degrees, recorded on July 25, 2019, was also exceeded.
Other locations also reported extreme heat, with Bad Kreuznach in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and Kitzingen in Bavaria each reaching 40.7 degrees in the afternoon, according to the weather service.
The heatwave in Western Europe has now engulfed Germany, with temperatures forecast to reach or exceed 40 degrees in other parts of the country, including Berlin, this weekend. The oppressive conditions have been intensified by persistently high nighttime temperatures, offering little respite.
Scientists say extreme weather events like the current heatwave are becoming more frequent in Germany due to climate change, with official data showing an increase in the number of days each year when temperatures exceed 30 degrees.
The extreme heat has already disrupted public events and tourist attractions.
Germany's nationwide Civil Protection Day, scheduled for Saturday in the south-western city of Freiburg, was postponed as authorities sought to reduce strain on emergency personnel needed elsewhere during the heatwave.
The glass dome and rooftop terrace of Berlin's Reichstag building will be closed throughout the weekend due to the high temperatures.
