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ARD Weather Presenter Claudia Kleinert: Privately Calls It 'Climate Catastrophe'

other · 2026-08-26

Claudia Kleinert, who has presented weather forecasts for ARD for over 25 years, tells millions of viewers about 'climate changes' on air, but in private she uses the term 'climate catastrophe'. In an interview with der Freitag, she discusses the difference, her resignation, and the limits of politics in weather broadcasts. Reflecting on the summer of 2026, she describes it as both extreme and the new normal, noting unprecedented heatwaves in Europe, record temperatures in Germany, and widespread wildfires due to drought.

Key facts

  • Claudia Kleinert has been an ARD weather presenter for over 25 years.
  • On air, she uses the term 'climate changes' but privately says 'climate catastrophe'.
  • The interview was published by der Freitag.
  • The summer of 2026 saw record heatwaves across Europe.
  • Germany experienced unprecedented record temperatures.
  • Drought conditions led to massive wildfires across Europe.
  • Kleinert describes the season as both extreme and the new normal.
  • The interview touches on resignation and the role of politics in weather broadcasts.

Entities

Artists

  • Claudia Kleinert

Institutions

  • ARD
  • der Freitag

Locations

  • Germany
  • Europe

Sources