Intense rainfall and minimal thunderstorms led to a noticeable reduction in the occurrence of lightning. - Reduced illumination from lightning during heavy rainstorms, with fewer thunderstorms overall
In a surprising turn of events, this summer has seen a significant drop in the number of lightning strikes across Germany, particularly in the regions of Saxony-Anhalt and the Altmark, according to meteorological data.
Nikolas Zimmermann, a meteorologist from the weather service UBIMET, attributes this decrease to the prevalence of weather patterns characterised by frequent rain and disrupted sunny days but fewer thunderstorms overall. From June 1 to July 31, 2025, only about 394,000 lightning strikes were recorded across Germany, the lowest in over 15 years, despite some recent rainfall and storm events.
This reduction is linked to a stationary disturbance over Germany causing continuous rain but fewer intense thunderstorms that generate lightning. Meteorologists describe this summer’s weather as influenced by a "summer monsoon" with a high-pressure area over the Mediterranean and Scandinavia causing heat in those regions, while a relatively stable low-pressure disturbance over Germany leads to persistent rain and showers rather than the typical convective thunderstorms that produce frequent lightning.
Saxony-Anhalt, being north of the main thunderstorm concentration area (primarily southern Germany), has seen generally friendlier weather with only occasional isolated thunderstorms, limiting lightning activity. No specific cities in Saxony-Anhalt or the Altmark region were mentioned as having particularly high or low numbers of lightning strikes.
The decrease in lightning strikes began as early as May, with 118,000 lightning discharges nationwide, which is about 45 percent less than the average of the past 15 years. June had 212,000 discharges, a decrease of 61 percent compared to the average, and for July, Nowcast reported 182,000 discharges, which is 63 percent below the average.
As the summer draws to a close, the German Weather Service predicts a new heat wave for the next few days. Despite the unusual weather pattern this summer, it seems that the country is not done with surprises just yet.
The German Weather Service predicts a new heat wave for the next few days, hinting at potential changes in weather patterns. In the context of the reduced number of lightning strikes this summer, community policy discussions might include funding vocational training programs for meteorologists, further enabling weather-forecasting accuracy and predictability. Despite the significant drop in lightning strikes across Germany, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt and the Altmark regions, these areas continue to seek weather patterns suitable for various vocational training activities.
