Germany Faces Driest Spring Since 1931

Germany is currently experiencing its driest spring in nearly a century, with meteorological data confirming that the period from early February to mid-April 2025 ranks as the most arid since 1931. Despite brief episodes of rain, much of the country has seen significantly reduced precipitation levels, with April delivering only a fraction of the usual rainfall.

Nationwide, the German Weather Service (DWD) reports that April 2025 brought an average of just 31 liters of rain per square meter. That equates to merely 53 percent of the norm from the 1961–1990 reference period and around 69 percent compared to the 1991–2020 benchmark. Certain areas, such as the northeastern regions and parts of Upper Bavaria, received less than 10 liters per square meter—conditions described by experts as “exceptionally dry.”

Heat and Sunlight Reach Record Levels

In addition to the drought, April was marked by a pronounced heat anomaly. According to DWD, average temperatures across Germany reached 10.5 degrees Celsius, making this one of the seven warmest Aprils on record since 1881. In Brandenburg, the mercury soared to 28.4 degrees Celsius on April 17, while the Oberrhein region and parts of the southwest recorded the first summer-like days of the year as early as mid-April.

The sun was another dominant force. With roughly 240 hours of sunshine in April—up to 270 hours in northeastern areas—Germany saw solar radiation levels exceed the 1961–1990 norm by 56 percent. Compared to the newer 1991–2020 period, the excess was still notable at 31 percent. Even Schleswig-Holstein, typically cooler and wetter, logged 230 hours of sunshine, representing a 40 percent increase over historical averages.

Regional Disparities Highlight Uneven Impact

While the entire country is grappling with dryness, the severity varies by region. Northern and southern Germany are experiencing significantly drier soils, with moisture levels falling below normal depths of up to 60 centimeters. The only exceptions are found in narrow stretches from North Rhine-Westphalia through Saxony, and in some mountainous areas of southern Germany, where moisture remains marginally stable. However, these pockets of resilience are shrinking.

Schleswig-Holstein, though cooler than the national average, has also been heavily impacted. With only 26 liters of rainfall recorded in April—barely half of the usual 49 liters—the region’s topsoil has become notably dry. Rainfall in February and March was also severely limited, at just 11 and 9 liters per square meter, respectively, compared to long-term monthly averages of 44 and 53 liters.

Within Schleswig-Holstein, rainfall distribution varied significantly. Areas like Pelzerhaken recorded as little as 5.8 liters, while Hetlingen received just over 50 liters. Despite this, the general trend remains clear: insufficient rain, increased sunshine, and rising temperatures are creating difficult conditions across the board.

Agriculture Under Strain as Outlook Remains Uncertain

The prolonged dry weather is becoming a major concern for German agriculture. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and other northern regions, farmers report growing anxiety as wind and sun rapidly draw remaining moisture from the soil. Many young plants are now reliant on dew as a critical source of hydration, underscoring the precariousness of the situation.

DWD meteorologists had briefly hoped that mid-April’s rainfall might signal a shift. However, that hope faded quickly. Current weather patterns have returned to stable high-pressure systems, favoring sun and dry conditions. Although a cooling trend is forecast for early May, the associated rainfall is expected to come in the form of isolated showers or thunderstorms, which are hydrologically ineffective in replenishing soil moisture.

Meteorologist Adrian Leyser of the DWD emphasized that these showers, while dramatic, fail to deliver the widespread and sustained precipitation—known as “Landregen”—needed to restore groundwater and support vegetation.

Is Climate Change to Blame?

While the extremity of this spring’s weather is striking, meteorologists caution against linking it too directly to climate change. Marc Wenthe from the DWD notes that high-pressure dominance, which has deflected rain-bearing systems away from Germany, is also a feature of natural variability. However, he acknowledges that overall weather extremes—both dry and wet—are increasing in frequency.

Wenthe highlights that last year’s spring was unusually wet, showing that swings in weather are not uncommon. Still, the repeated spring droughts of recent years suggest a troubling pattern, particularly in northeast Germany, where cities like Berlin and Brandenburg have seen a sharp increase in rain-free days.

Long-Term Trends Raise Concern

The trend toward drier springs in Germany is no longer anecdotal. Multiple years of declining spring precipitation have prompted closer examination by climatologists. If the current dry spell persists into May, Germany could see one of the most water-scarce spring seasons since weather records began.

According to the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, current drought conditions in topsoil are already at concerning levels across much of the country. And with solar radiation and evaporation rates increasing, the window for recovery is narrowing. Without a significant shift in weather patterns, both ecological and agricultural systems could face sustained stress in the weeks and months ahead.