In July, North Rhine-Westphalia received significantly lower rainfall compared to most other regions - July in North Rhine-Westphalia Experiences Below-Average Rainfall Compared to Most Other Areas
The German Weather Service (DWD) has released preliminary monthly weather data for July 2021, revealing a mixed picture for North Rhine-Westphalia. While the region was less rainy than most other federal states, it experienced a slightly higher amount of sunshine.
North Rhine-Westphalia saw a total of 197 hours of sunshine in July 2021, compared to the long-term average of 192 hours. This made the region brighter than usual, with nationwide sunshine totalling 189 hours. However, the rainfall distribution was uneven, with some areas receiving significantly less rainfall than the average, while others were on target or above.
In some parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, rainfall was significantly below the average for July 2021. The Ruhr region and the Zülpicher Börde received 30 to 60 liters less than the average, while other regions were on target or above the average for the reference period of 1961 to 1990.
Despite the overall less rainy conditions, some regions of North Rhine-Westphalia received rainfall that was on target or above the average for July 2021. This variability in rainfall amounts is likely due to local climate variability and the timing of weather events rather than a consistent pattern of less rain.
The average temperature in North Rhine-Westphalia in July 2021 was higher due to a very hot start to the month. July in North Rhine-Westphalia was too warm with an average temperature of 18.4 degrees, exceeding the long-term average of 16.9 degrees by 1.5 degrees. However, after the hot start, temperatures cooled down significantly in July 2021, according to DWD.
It's important to note that North Rhine-Westphalia was not generally less rainy in July 2021 compared to most other German federal states. In fact, the region experienced extreme heavy rainfall and severe flooding in mid-July 2021, notably in North Rhine-Westphalia and neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate[1].
In conclusion, while North Rhine-Westphalia was less rainy than most other federal states in July 2021, this was not a consistent pattern across the region. Variations in rainfall amounts were likely due to local climate variability and the timing of weather events. The region's weather can be highly variable due to its location and weather systems influencing Western Europe, as seen in the heavy flooding events of the past[1].
[1] Source: DWD Report on July 2021 Flooding [2] Source: DWD Monthly Weather Data for July 2021 [3] Source: DWD Detailed Weather Data for July 2021 [4] Source: DWD Climate Data for North Rhine-Westphalia [5] Source: DWD Climate Data for Germany
The environmental conditions in North Rhine-Westphalia during July 2021 were mixed, with the region experiencing slightly more sunshine than the national average, despite being less rainy than most other federal states on average. However, this pattern was not consistent throughout the region, as some areas received significantly less rainfall than the average while others were on target or above.
Given the mixed weather conditions, the environment policy in North Rhine-Westphalia might need to account for the variability in rainfall amounts, considering the impact on agriculture, water resources, and weather-forecasting for the upcoming months.
