Sizzling April Breaks Records in MV: A Hot, Sunny, and Rain-Deficient Month
Exceptionally Warm, Sun-Soaked, and Drought-Prone April Experienced in MV - Exceptionally Warm, Sunny, and Dry Weather Prevailed in MV During April
April 2021 has proven to be a scorcher in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with preliminary data suggesting it's one of the top five warmest Aprils since measurements began in 1881. The monthly average temperature clocked in at 10.1°C, significantly higher than the long-term average of 6.7°C, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
Ueckermünde even saw high-summer heat on April 17, with a balmy 27.9°C. But, it wasn't just the heat that made headlines. April 2021 also solidified its place in MV's weather history as an extremely dry month, with only about a quarter (24 percent) of the usual rainfall. In coastal areas, some places didn't receive even five liters of rain!
Sunshine was abundant too, with around 260 hours of sunshine recorded, exceeding the long-term average by about 55 percent.
Nationwide, April 2021 was similarly unusual, with a "pronounced warmth anomaly," as described by DWD, based on data from approximately 2,000 measuring stations throughout Germany.
Background Insights
- Historical Temperature Fluctuations: April has long been known for dramatic temperature fluctuations, ranging from freezing cold to blistering hot. For instance, on April 22, 1968, Marnitz reached a staggering high of 30.8°C[4].
- Drought Periods: The years between 2018 and 2023 have witnessed periods of extreme drought across parts of Germany, with record temperatures and low rainfall that could potentially impact Mecklenburg-Vorpommern[3].
- Sunshine Hours: Exact figures for April 2021 are unavailable, but April 2025 was reported to be "remarkably sunny," while April 1993 saw seven summer days in Marnitz[4].
While direct data for 2021 is still forthcoming, it seems that regional conditions varied. The drought period between 2018 and 2023[3] may have influenced April 2021, but confirming precipitation or sunshine hour data is not yet available. For a precise analysis, official climate data from the German Weather Service (DWD) would be essential.
To gain a more accurate understanding of the April 2021 climate, it's recommended to consult specific climate reports from the DWD or the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Office for Environment, Conservation, and Geology.
- Despite the unprecedented heat in Ueckermünde on April 17, 2021, records for the warmest April temperatures in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern were set in 1881.
- According to the German Weather Service (DWD), April 2021 exhibited a "pronounced warmth anomaly" not just in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but nationwide, based on data from around 2,000 measuring stations.
- The Commission, in consultations on the draft budget for the period 2000-06, might also consider the potential impact of extended drought periods, such as the one between 2018 and 2023, on the region's climate and future budgetary requirements for water management.
- In April 2021, the coastal areas of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern received as little as five liters of rain, contributing to the month being among the driest in the region's history.
