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Local Germany
4 days ago
- Climate
- Local Germany
'We've been robbed': Will Germany get any summer weather this year?
If summer 2025 in Germany were a perfume, it's key notes would be cloud, fine rain and cool temperatures, with just a hint of storm. Before looking at whether the experts have scented something better in the future – and if we can all expect to find ourself bathing in glorious sunshine over the next few weeks – there is an important point to make first. Advertisement We've been robbed Not only because winters in Germany tend to be grey and endlessly long and we need all the sunshine we can get, but because we were misled! Numerous meteorologists and weather models predicted that a stable high-pressure system might develop over Europe, bringing consistent hot and dry weather this summer. High-pressure systems operate like big bubbles of warm, dry air, blocking out rain and unsettled weather, and allowing sunshine to dominate and temperatures to rise. It's the kind of pattern responsible for classic summer weather with lots of sun and temperatures above 30C. That's what we were led to expect. But in actuality Germany has seen an endless series of low-pressure systems - which lead to cloud formation and rain - while the southern parts of Europe are being cooked . READ ALSO: Eight amazing German museums to explore this summer Repeated low-pressure zones have brought rain, clouds, and cooler temperatures to Germany since early July. This weather pattern is often called a "west weather pattern" because the systems come in from the Atlantic Ocean to the west, pushing unstable, wet weather and cooler air across Central Europe. Adding insult to injury, the experts appear reluctant to acknowledge how bad the weather has been. Advertisement Prominent meteorologist Andreas Machalica, in comments made to SWR , actually described this year's summer as 'relatively average' in terms of sunshine and temperature, dominated by a "typical West weather pattern" common for Central Europe. Is the cool weather here to stay? Despite the distinctly mixed start to the summer, there is still hope for August and September, according to the experts. Meteorologist Dominik Jung thinks the weather will become noticeably warmer during the first week of August. In the second week, he says we can expect ' high summer temperatures ' above 30C in some regions. Andreas Machalica thinks 'there's still a really good chance August will see some sunny days.' Until August 10th, the German Weather Service (DWD) is forecasting cooler temperatures and rain showers for much of Germany. Although warmer weather is anticipated to gradually arrive in around mid-August, with less rain and temperatures potentially rising to around 30C in the second half of the month. READ ALSO: Where in Germany residents have been forced to move by extreme weather It's worth noting, however, that to predict the weather experts essentially make an educated guess based on the best real-time data that they have. Therefore weather predictions become increasingly unreliable the further in the future they look. Given the previously unforeseen weeks of grey skies and rain that Germany has seen, the tone of these weather forecasts read almost hopeful rather than confident. As much as I'd like to, I won't be putting my cagoule away just yet.
Euronews
26-07-2025
- Climate
- Euronews
Is autumn already coming? Risk of heavy rain until the beginning of the week
Meteorologists are talking about a "summer monsoon" - an area of high pressure over the Mediterranean and Scandinavia is causing sweltering heat, while a disturbance has settled directly over Germany, causing continuous torrential rain. What is particularly striking is that this type of disturbance hardly moves and remains almost stationary over certain regions. The focus of this weather situation will be over southern Germany over the next few days. The German Weather Service (DWD) is warning of heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms, with up to 150 litres of rain per square metre possible in southern Germany by Tuesday. The thunderstorms at the weekend are mainly concentrated in the southern regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. At the beginning of the week, the rain front swings in over the Alps. South of a line from Saarland to Dresden, precipitation is to be expected again and again up to and including Tuesday - partly showery, in places with thunderstorms, hail and strong to stormy gusts. Between the Black Forest and the Bavarian Forest, especially south of the Danube, there is an increased risk of heavy rainfall. Localised flooding and high water may occur. North of a line from Saarland to Saxony, the weather will often be friendlier - with repeated clearings and longer sunny spells. However, occasional showers or isolated thunderstorms are possible. Only temporarily "midsummery" again For Wednesday, 30 July, there are signs of a brief calming of the weather overall: An extension of the Azores High will temporarily push the remaining disturbances eastwards. Large parts of Germany will see more sunshine and temperatures will climb back up to a summery 27 degrees in some places. However, this friendly spell of weather is likely to be short-lived. According to current model calculations, the area of high pressure will not be able to maintain itself in the long term. The overriding weather situation leaves room for new disruptive systems to settle over southern and south-eastern Germany in particular. Big differences within Europe An extreme heatwave over Sweden and Norway is slowly subsiding. In parts near the Arctic Circle, up to 13 consecutive days of heat were measured. However, the heat could return as early as next week. In Portugal, temperatures are currently normal for this time of year and the weather warnings are at "yellow" level. There was a massive heatwave there at the end of June, which apparently led to excess mortality, particularly among older people. Italy is currently enjoying moderate weather, with isolated showers and temperatures of around 25 degrees. In Spain, there are currently frequent showers in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, but it is hot in the south of the country, with temperatures of 34-36 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in Spain are generally lower compared to other years.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Roundup: Heatwaves, drought grip Europe, fueling calls for global action
BUCHAREST, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Extreme heat and worsening drought conditions are gripping large parts of Europe, fueling wildfires and prompting urgent weather alerts across multiple countries. Scientists and international agencies warn that this crisis is part of a broader "new era of drought," driven by climate change and posing escalating threats to food security, ecosystems, and national economies. SCORCHING HEAT GRIPS EUROPE Germany is experiencing what may be its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius, according to the German Weather Service, which has issued extreme heat warnings across much of the country and highlighted a rising risk of wildfires, especially in the southeast. Similar conditions are unfolding across Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, the national meteorological institute warned of "very high temperatures" and increased fire danger, with some regions expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius. Prague's emergency services have already responded to multiple heat-related incidents, and a fire ban remains in effect. Slovakia's meteorological authority issued its highest-level red alert for 10 districts on Thursday, forecasting highs up to 38 degrees Celsius as warm air masses from the west intensify the heat. Neighboring Croatia and Romania are also on alert, with peak temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius, respectively. In the Netherlands, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute confirmed the country's first official heatwave in three years. De Bilt, the national reference station, recorded five consecutive days above 30 degrees Celsius, prompting a code orange alert in the southeastern provinces. Southern Europe is faring no better. Spain continues to endure a record-breaking heatwave, with June 2025 confirmed as the country's hottest month on record. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET reported an average monthly temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius, hotter than typical July and August averages. Tragically, two farmers died on Tuesday in a wildfire that scorched 5,000 hectares in La Segarra, northeast Spain. In Slovenia, the Environment Agency (ARSO) noted that June 2025 was not only the hottest but also the driest month since records began, with rainfall just 24 percent of the monthly average. Heatwaves continue in Croatia, where the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) forecast maximum temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 39 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Bosnia and Herzegovina issued an orange weather warning for July 3 and July 4, with temperatures expected to reach between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Meteorologist Bakir Krajinovic from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute said that June 2025 was unprecedented in the country's measurement history, with zero rainfall recorded at meteorological stations in cities such as Tuzla and Mostar. DROUGHT SPREADING, TAKING TOLL ON ECONOMY These escalating conditions in Europe are part of a global pattern. A new report released Wednesday, Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025, presents a stark picture. Jointly prepared by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the report warns that drought has become one of the most widespread and damaging crises of our time. "Drought was once primarily associated with rainfall and agriculture," said Daniel Tsegai, program officer at UNCCD. "Today, it is a multi-sectoral, systemic shock. No sector, no part of the economy, and no country is immune to its impacts." The report notes that the frequency of global droughts increased by 30 percent between 2000 and 2019. Driven by climate change and rising demands for land and water, droughts now threaten food supplies, water availability, biodiversity, energy systems, and public health, all critical pillars of society. Mark Svoboda, co-author and founding director of NDMC, described the situation as "a slow-moving global catastrophe, the worst I've ever seen." The economic toll is mounting rapidly. NDMC research cites an OECD estimate that the financial cost of drought today is at least double what it was in 2000, with further increases of up to 110 percent projected by 2035. "Ripple effects can turn regional droughts into global economic shocks," said co-author Cody Knutson. "No country is immune when critical water-dependent systems start to collapse." The report warns that drought is already costing some countries up to 10 percent of their GDP annually, and may soon disrupt energy grids, food supply chains, and entire ecosystems. ACTION, GLOBAL COOPERATION IN URGENT NEED The UNCCD urges countries to act immediately by investing in early warning systems, drought monitoring, and nature-based solutions such as watershed restoration. Building resilient infrastructure, including off-grid energy and alternative water technologies, is also crucial. Tsegai emphasized that combating drought requires shifting from reactive crisis management to proactive, long-term planning. Addressing these interconnected threats demands coordinated action across sectors and governance levels, involving ministries, local communities, and national governments alike. Although over 80 countries have developed national drought plans, the UNCCD warns that implementation remains a major gap. Without stronger execution and cooperation, experts caution the world could face increasingly severe and widespread drought-related crises.
DW
02-07-2025
- Climate
- DW
Europe heat wave intensifies as fresh warnings issued – DW – 07/02/2025
As Europe bakes in the summer heat, parts of Germany and France are on red alert, while Spain and Portugal recorded temperatures in recent days. Schools and tourist attractions have also closed in several continues to suffer under a brutal early summer heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures in southern Spain expected to read 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Further north in Paris, temperatures are expected to drop slightly, but still hover around 35 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists predict that rain and thunderstorms overnight should break the heat in many places by Thursday. Schools remained closed in many cities, including in Italy and France, due to the weather — intensifying debate as to whether the school year needs to be adjusted to reflect the changing climate. The heat has also affected cultural events and sports, with the Wimbledon tennis tournament in the UK, which continues on Wednesday, recording its highest-ever temperatures. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The German Weather Service (DWD) recorded the highest temperature of the year so far — 37.8 degrees Celsius (100.04 degrees Fahrenheit) — on Tuesday evening in Kitzingen, Bavaria. The record, however, isn't expected to last long as it could be surpassed on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to get even hotter. "Then the peak will be reached, and it is quite possible that we will locally reach around 40 degrees," a DWD spokesperson told the DPA news agency. That's 104 degrees Fahrenheit. From Thursday, it is expected to cool down slightly. The all-time heat record for Germany was recorded on July 25, 2019, when 41.2 degrees was registered at the DWD weather stations in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, both in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Several Italian cities, including Florence and Bergamo, were hit with power outages on Tuesday amid a blazing summer heat wave. The power grid was also overloaded near Milan. The outages affected private homes as well as businesses and even traffic on the streets as traffic lights stopped working in some places. Energy supplier Enel said it was working to restore power. The outages could be "related to the heat, which led to overheating and expansion of the power cables," the company said. Italy has been experiencing sizzling heat for days, with heat alerts having been issued in over a dozen cities, including Rome. This June, many parts of Europe sweltered under the highest temperatures ever recorded for the summer month. Scientists say these extreme conditions are caused by a familiar weather pattern exacerbated by global warming. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Atomium, one of Brussels' top tourist draws, is closing early on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the heat wave, the monument's management said on its website. The landmark features nine stainless steel spheres linked by narrow steel tubes, forming a giant cube balanced on its tip. Inside, the spheres hold exhibitions and a restaurant, with visitors moving between them by stairs and escalators. German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has called climate change the biggest social issue of the 21st century as Europe — including Germany — struggles through a heat wave. "If one considers that the richest 1% of the global population causes as much in greenhouse gas emissions as the poorest two-thirds taken together, this poses serious questions of distribution," Schneider said. He argued the heat was exposing social inequality. "People with less money are able to protect themselves less well against the consequences of heat. Poor people more frequently live on busy roads and in densely built homes where heat builds up," the minister said, noting that those with money can afford air-conditioning or cooling gardens. Schneider said the federal government was supporting local authorities and social institutions with advice and funding to expand cooling measures. He said €73.5 million ($86.5 million) had been approved for almost 500 projects since 2020, with at least €11.5 million available for this year and next. The world willl have to live with heat waves, according to the World Meterological Organization (WMO). The United Nation's weather and climate agency has said that heat waves could occur more often and be more intense. "As a result of human-induced climate change, extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense. It's something we have to learn to live with," said WMO spokewoman Clare Nullis. The heat wave in Europe is the result of strong high pressure system which is trapping hot air from Northern Africa. WMO said early warnings and action plans are crucial in protecting the public. Organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) are ready to help people across the continent. "Volunteers are giving out water and checking on the most vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, older people, and outdoor workers," IFRC spokesman Tommaso Della Longa. On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the extreme heat is a "new normal." In France, red alerts have been issued for 16 departments, including Paris, with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit). Visitors without tickets are being told to postpone trips to the Eiffel Tower, with the uppermost level remaining closed until Thursday. Operators say the shutdown is "to ensure everyone's comfort and safety." More than 1,300 schools have closed, hospitals are preparing for heat-related cases, and traffic restrictions are in place in Greater Paris. Fire crews are on high alert for wildfires, while heavy storms have triggered mudslides in the Alps. Cooler weather is forecast for the country from Wednesday. Climate experts warn that future summers are set to become hotter than any on record. By 2100, France could be up to 4 C warmer, with temperatures topping 40 C every year and extreme spikes possibly hitting 50 C. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Italy's health ministry says 17 of the country's 27 major cities are under a heat wave alert. As the country's north was battered by torrential rain on Monday, parts of Bardonecchia near Turin were left buried in sludge after the Frejus river burst its banks. Near Bologna, one of the cities under alert on Tuesday, a 46-year-old construction company owner collapsed and died while repaving a school parking lot, according to state-run RAI. An autopsy is underway to confirm the cause, but heat is suspected. First of all, those suffering from heat exhaustion should immediately be taken out of the sun, to a cool place or into the shade, and drink water as quickly as possible. Cold, damp cloths can help cool the body. In addition, someone with heat exhaustion should drink plenty of fluids to bring hydration levels back to normal. Cold water or sports drinks replenish lost salts, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. These can dehydrate you even more, on top of excessive sweating, which, according to experts, can cause additional fluid loss of up to 2 liters on very hot days. Until the symptoms get better, you need to rest. It's important to know that in severe cases, severe vomiting, confusion or even unconsciousness can occur. If that happens, you should see a doctor, if only to rule out heat has recorded its highest-ever June temperature at 46.6 degrees Celsius in Mora, east of Lisbon, beating the previous June record from 2017, according to the IPMA weather agency. More than a third of monitoring stations have registered over 40 C on Sunday, with several regions under red alert for extreme heat and wildfire risk. Spain's weather service Aemet says last month has been the hottest June on record nationwide, with an average temperature of 23.6 C. El Granado near Portugal's border reached 46 C on Saturday, a new June high, while Barcelona posted a sweltering 37.6 C — despite its coastal location. Scientists say human-driven climate change is making heat waves more intense, with heat domes trapping hotter air. The German Weather Service said it expected temperatures to cross 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, with Tuesday and Wednesday set to be the hottest days of the summer so far. German education trade unions have called for nationwide heat protection regulations in schools amid the heatwave. "There must be uniform occupational health and safety regulations for students and school employees," said Anja Bensinger-Stolze, a board member of the Education and Science Union (GEW), in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) newspapers. In addition to modernizing schools with green roofs and shade sails, Bensinger-Stolze continued, a "nationwide supply of free drinking water" is necessary for all children, young people, and employees. German hospitals are also requesting additional funding to retrofit clinics. "Severe heat poses challenges for hospitals and staff. Due to a lack of investment funds, only a few hospitals have air-conditioned rooms, offices, and waiting rooms," said Gerald Gass, the head of the German Hospital Federation (DKG), in an interview with the newspaper. "In the long term, we need a climate protection and adaptation program to renovate old buildings," he said, adding that this was the only way clinics can protect patients and staff from the consequences of climate change. Currently, hospitals rely on measures such as shading facades and cooling packs, Gass explained. We are following the heat wave in Europe as red alerts are in place across the continent. Here in Germany, temperatures have soared, with some areas in the south expected to reach near 40 degrees Celsius. Two people are suspected to have died because of the heat in Italy and Spain. The heat wave comes as Spain and Portugal announce that heat records were broken in the month of June. We'll bring you the latest updates, explainers and analyses on the extreme weather conditions in Europe.
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Climate
- NDTV
German Weather Station Records Driest First Half Of Year In 13 Decades
New Delhi: A weather station in Potsdam, Germany, one of the world's oldest, has recorded the driest first half of a year since measurements began more than 130 years ago, according to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). The station, operated by the German Weather Service, has been running continuously since 1893 and is a key reference point for tracking climate trends. It helps compare current weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall and sunshine with long-term climate patterns. Fred Hattermann, a hydrologist at PIK, said, "According to current data, the station in Potsdam likely recorded a new all-time low in the first half of 2025: just 146.8 millimetres of rainfall, even less than during the same period in 1942 (158.5 millimetres), the previous record." "The long-term average for this location in the first half of the year is around 300 millimetres. Although January brought heavy rainfall across Germany, this declined sharply in February and was almost non-existent in March. In the following months up to and including June, rainfall was also below average in most regions of Germany," he said. Peter Hoffmann, a meteorologist at PIK, said forests are especially affected by long dry periods. "The damage caused in recent years is clearly visible in many regions of Germany and has not yet been repaired and the renewed dry spell is exacerbating the problems. In addition, the higher temperatures have led to higher water requirements for vegetation and the landscape. This is because the average temperature in Germany is now around 2 degrees Celsius higher than it was 100 years ago," he said.
