Intensified rainfall occurrences are being observed.
Germany is bracing for further thunderstorms this weekend, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), as the country continues to grapple with an increase in extreme weather events. These events, including heavy rainfall, heatwaves, floods, and droughts, are a direct consequence of climate change, posing significant risks to infrastructure and public safety.
The rise in these extreme weather occurrences is evident in the growing deployment of the Technical Relief Agency (THW) to manage climate-induced disasters. Sabine Lackner, THW's President, has confirmed an increase in the quantity and quality of THW deployments, particularly in response to heavy rain events. Lackner attributes this increase to the escalation of extreme weather events due to climate change.
Studies and recent events, such as the 2021 floods and the heatwaves in 2025, underscore the impact of climate change on Germany and Europe. These events have led to major infrastructure damage and health impacts. For instance, a deadly 2025 train accident in southern Germany was linked to climate-induced heavy rains causing landslides and track destabilization.
Future projections suggest that this trend will continue or even intensify. Climate models consistently project that climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather in Germany, leading to a rise in emergency situations requiring THW deployment. Adaptation measures and infrastructure investments, such as the €500 billion government fund including about €150 billion for railway safety, aim to reduce vulnerabilities but will not fully prevent increased technical relief needs.
The economic and societal risks associated with extreme weather are significant. These events already cause billions in damage and thousands of deaths (mainly heat-related), emphasizing the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to reduce THW emergency burdens.
In Hamm, while no specific information about extreme weather events, deployments, or damage was mentioned, parts of Germany experienced rain and thunderstorms on Friday evening. No major damage has been reported so far from the thunderstorms. Meanwhile, a bicycle procession from Hamm to Dortmund was initiated, and the Kurhaus in Bad Hamm underwent facade and roof renovation.
As the battle against climate change continues, investments in infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness are critical to manage these evolving challenges. Lackner anticipates the increase in extreme weather events and heavy rain events to continue in the future, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures.
Environmental science studies reveal the correlation between climate change and the escalation of extreme weather events in Germany, such as thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves. The Technical Relief Agency (THW) is thus necessitated to deploy their services more frequently due to this climate change-induced increase in extreme weather, especially during heavy rain events.
