Frying in Berlin: Scorching Summer Hits the City
Berlin's summer this year was nothing short of a heatwave, breaking records and leaving residents dripping in sweat. The mercury averaged a blistering 19.7°C, positioning the city as the hottest German state as per preliminary figures from the German Weather Service (DWD). That's a whopping 1.9°C warmer than the norm for the 1961-1990 reference period.
June and August were bone-dry, but the rainfall clocked in at a respectable 185 liters per square meter. Berlin also took the top spot for sunshine hours, basking in 780 hours, a substantial increase from the typical 664 hours.
Across the country, summer was sweltering, with an average temperature of 18.5°C, bumping up the old record by 2.2 degrees. Although no records were shattered, DWD still declared it as "the 28th consecutive summer of record-breaking warmth." The latter half of the summer saw temperatures soaring, marking a significant departure from the early cooler months.
Despite the blazing heat, occasional rain showers provided a momentary reprieve. The city's weather was a whimsical medley of sizzling heat and rain, a stark change from the usual extended sunshine.
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In Berlin, weather conditions can be unpredictable, but here are some relevant facts:
- Spring 2025: The spring of 2025 has seen the city warming up, with temperatures hitting 17°C, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities[1]. Pollen levels are also on the rise, with alder pollen dominating the scene[1].
- Summer 2018: The summer of 2018 was a scorcher, with temperatures reaching as high as 100°F during heatwaves[2][5]. Rainfall was scarce, with a decrease of approximately 53% in July and 46% in August compared to the period 1981-2010[2][5].
- Regional Climate: Northern Germany has a marine climate with cool summers and mild winters. Hamburg's August highs hover around 22°C (72°F), while January temperatures typically sit at 1°C (34°F)[4]. Southern Germany is warmer in summer and colder in winter, with Frankfurt's summer highs hitting 25°C (77°F), while January temperatures can drop to -1°C (30°F)[4]. Coastal areas tend to be windier and wetter, serving as popular destinations for beach vacations from May to September[4].
- Co-occurring Events in 2018: 2018 marked the convergence of various extreme weather events, including heatwaves, drought, and heavy precipitation. The heatwave was driven by persistent jet stream conditions, leading to prolonged heatwaves across western Europe[2][5].
